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Soils 101

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Last updated over 5 years ago
10 questions
3
2
4
3
3
2
2
3
5
6
INSTRUCTIONS: Answer the following questions related to the USDA (Agriculture) article:
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/edu/7thru12/?cid=nrcseprd885606#soil1
(Note: Refer back to the website if you are having difficulty).
Question 1
1.

Define "soil."

Question 2
2.

The composition of soil is dependent on _____.

Question 3
3.

Match the average percentage (by volume) with the correct soil ingredient.

Draggable itemarrow_right_altCorresponding Item
45%
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Air
5%
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Humus (organic matter)
25%
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Minerals
25%
arrow_right_alt
Water
Question 4
4.

Explain how the minerals that primarily compose soil are produced.

USE THE IMAGE TO ANSWER QUESTION 5.
Question 5
5.

Match the mineral particles with the correct particle size.

Draggable itemarrow_right_altCorresponding Item
Sand
arrow_right_alt
A.
Clay
arrow_right_alt
B.
Silt
arrow_right_alt
C.
Question 6
6.

Of the three, which particle is the most reactive mineral ingredient in the soil?

Question 7
7.

What two elements occupy the pore spaces and are essential to the life of soil organisms?

Question 8
8.

Identify what humus or organic matter is comprised of.

Question 9
9.

Match the characteristic with the correct soil-forming factor.

  • Exposure to rain and growing plants.
  • Soil temperature and water availability.
  • Localized changes in moisture and temperature.
  • Recycling of nutrients by various organisms.
  • Unconsolidated organic and mineral material.
  • Climate
  • Landscape Position
  • Living Organisms
  • Parent Material
  • Time
USE THE IMAGE TO ANSWER QUESTION 10.
Question 10
10.

Sequence the soil horizons in the correct order from the uppermost layer (1) to the lowest layer (6).

  1. E horizon
  2. C horizon
  3. A horizon
  4. B horizon
  5. R horizon
  6. O horizon