Soil Ecology

Description: Test your knowledge on Soil Ecology, the study of organisms living in soil and their interactions with each other and their environment.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: ecology soil organisms interactions
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What is the term for the process by which organic matter is broken down into simpler substances by microorganisms?

  1. Decomposition

  2. Nitrification

  3. Denitrification

  4. Mineralization


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Decomposition is the process by which organic matter is broken down into simpler substances by microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi.

Which of the following is NOT a type of soil organism?

  1. Bacteria

  2. Fungi

  3. Protozoa

  4. Nematodes


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Nematodes are not soil organisms, but rather small roundworms that live in soil and feed on other organisms.

What is the process by which nitrogen gas in the atmosphere is converted into a form that can be used by plants?

  1. Nitrogen fixation

  2. Nitrification

  3. Denitrification

  4. Mineralization


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Nitrogen fixation is the process by which nitrogen gas in the atmosphere is converted into a form that can be used by plants, such as nitrates and nitrites.

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of earthworms to soil health?

  1. Improved soil structure

  2. Increased water infiltration

  3. Enhanced nutrient cycling

  4. Reduced soil erosion


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Earthworms do not directly reduce soil erosion, although they can contribute to improved soil structure, increased water infiltration, and enhanced nutrient cycling.

What is the term for the process by which organic matter is converted into humus?

  1. Humification

  2. Mineralization

  3. Nitrification

  4. Denitrification


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Humification is the process by which organic matter is converted into humus, a dark, organic-rich material that is an important component of soil.

Which of the following is NOT a type of soil horizon?

  1. O horizon

  2. A horizon

  3. B horizon

  4. C horizon


Correct Option:
Explanation:

There are only three main soil horizons: O horizon (organic matter), A horizon (topsoil), and B horizon (subsoil). The C horizon is the parent material from which the soil has formed.

What is the term for the process by which nutrients are released from organic matter into a form that can be used by plants?

  1. Mineralization

  2. Nitrification

  3. Denitrification

  4. Humification


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Mineralization is the process by which nutrients are released from organic matter into a form that can be used by plants, such as nitrates, phosphates, and potassium.

Which of the following is NOT a type of soil texture?

  1. Sandy

  2. Silty

  3. Clayey

  4. Loamy


Correct Option:
Explanation:

Stony is not a type of soil texture. Soil texture refers to the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay in a soil.

What is the term for the process by which nitrogen gas is released from soil into the atmosphere?

  1. Nitrogen fixation

  2. Nitrification

  3. Denitrification

  4. Mineralization


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Denitrification is the process by which nitrogen gas is released from soil into the atmosphere, typically by bacteria under anaerobic conditions.

Which of the following is NOT a type of soil structure?

  1. Crumb structure

  2. Platy structure

  3. Prismatic structure

  4. Columnar structure


Correct Option:
Explanation:

Spherical structure is not a type of soil structure. Soil structure refers to the arrangement of soil particles into aggregates.

What is the term for the process by which organic matter is converted into carbon dioxide and water?

  1. Decomposition

  2. Nitrification

  3. Denitrification

  4. Mineralization


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Decomposition is the process by which organic matter is broken down into simpler substances, including carbon dioxide and water.

Which of the following is NOT a type of soil amendment?

  1. Compost

  2. Manure

  3. Fertilizer

  4. Pesticide


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Pesticides are not soil amendments, but rather chemicals used to control pests in soil.

What is the term for the process by which nutrients are taken up by plant roots from the soil?

  1. Nutrient uptake

  2. Mineralization

  3. Nitrification

  4. Denitrification


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Nutrient uptake is the process by which nutrients are taken up by plant roots from the soil, typically in the form of ions.

Which of the following is NOT a type of soil erosion?

  1. Wind erosion

  2. Water erosion

  3. Tillage erosion

  4. Chemical erosion


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Chemical erosion is not a type of soil erosion. Soil erosion refers to the wearing away of soil by natural forces, such as wind and water.

What is the term for the process by which soil is formed from parent material?

  1. Weathering

  2. Erosion

  3. Deposition

  4. Soil formation


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Soil formation is the process by which soil is formed from parent material, such as rock or sediment, through the action of weathering, erosion, and deposition.

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