Edaphology - Test

1. Edaphology is the branch of soil science that studies the influence of soils on living things, including plants, animals, and humans. It focuses on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils and how these properties affect organisms and ecosystems. Edaphologists study soil formation, classification, and mapping, as well as the role of soil in nutrient cycling, plant growth, and environmental quality. Understanding edaphology is crucial for sustainable agriculture, land use planning, and environmental management.

What is the term for a soil's ability to provide essential nutrients for plant growth?

A) Fertility
B) Compaction
C) Porosity
D) Erosion

2. What term describes the movement of water-soluble nutrients from the soil through plant roots to other parts?

A) Percolation
B) Translocation
C) Capillary action
D) Evapotranspiration

3. Which element is considered a macronutrient essential for plant growth and is often deficient in soils?

A) Copper
B) Nitrogen
C) Magnesium
D) Zinc

4. What is the term for the uppermost layer of soil that contains organic matter and is rich in nutrients?

A) Leached layer
B) Subsoil
C) Bedrock
D) Topsoil

5. What is the process of soil particles being carried away by water or wind?

A) Compaction
B) Leaching
C) Permeability
D) Erosion

6. What does the pH scale measure in regards to soil?

A) Nutrient content
B) Organic matter
C) Acidity or alkalinity
D) Permeability

7. What is the term for the process of removing soluble mineral substances from the soil by percolating water?

A) Erosion
B) Infiltration
C) Leaching
D) Transpiration

8. What is a soil profile?

A) A type of soil compaction
B) A type of soil microorganism
C) A vertical section of soil layers showing different horizons
D) A type of soil texture

9. What is the term for the process of water moving from the roots to the leaves of plants and then evaporating into the atmosphere?

A) Condensation
B) Transpiration
C) Absorption
D) Precipitation

10. What is the term that refers to soil particles being packed tightly together?

A) Compaction
B) Leaching
C) Aeration
D) Erosion

11. What is humus in soil?

A) A type of soil microorganism
B) A mineral found in soil
C) A type of rock
D) Organic matter that results from the decomposition of plant and animal material

12. What factors are studied in edaphology?

A) Weather patterns
B) Astronomical events
C) Human psychology
D) Soil physical, chemical, and biological properties

13. What is the primary source of energy for soil organisms?

A) Silt particles
B) Organic matter
C) Clay particles
D) Sand particles

14. What is soil texture?

A) The relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay in soil
B) The smell of soil
C) The color of soil
D) The taste of soil

15. What is soil salinization?

A) Increase in soil pH
B) Increase in soil moisture
C) Accumulation of salts in the soil
D) Decrease in soil pH

16. What is soil pollution?

A) Formation of soil profile
B) Development of new soil layers
C) Contamination of soil by toxic substances
D) Increase in soil fertility

17. What is the importance of soil testing?

A) To monitor weather patterns
B) To measure soil temperature
C) To study the color of soil
D) To analyze soil properties and determine nutrient levels

18. What is the role of mycorrhizae in soil?

A) Decrease soil erosion
B) Facilitate nutrient uptake by plants
C) Increase soil compaction
D) Improve soil color

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