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Soil physics - Exam
Contributed by: Leonard
  • 1. Soil physics is the study of the physical properties and processes of soil, including its composition, structure, and behavior under different conditions. It involves the investigation of how soil particles interact with each other and with water, air, and other components of the soil environment. Soil physics plays a crucial role in understanding soil fertility, water movement in the soil, and the availability of nutrients to plants. By studying soil physics, scientists can better predict soil erosion, land degradation, and the impact of agricultural practices on the environment. Overall, soil physics is essential for sustainable soil management and ensuring the long-term productivity of agricultural lands.

    What is the primary purpose of soil physics?
A) Analyzing plant growth in soil
B) Understanding the physical properties of soil
C) Examining soil chemical composition
D) Studying animal habitats in soil
  • 2. Which soil particle size is the smallest?
A) Gravel
B) Silt
C) Sand
D) Clay
  • 3. What is soil bulk density?
A) Amount of organic matter in soil
B) Particle size distribution in soil
C) Amount of water in soil
D) Mass of soil per unit volume
  • 4. Which of the following is a primary soil-forming factor?
A) Time
B) Organisms
C) Climate
D) Parent material
  • 5. What is the layer typically found underneath the topsoil?
A) Parent material
B) Regolith
C) Bedrock
D) Subsoil
  • 6. What is the energy required to remove water from soil called?
A) Hydraulic conductivity
B) Gravitational potential
C) Matric potential
D) Field capacity
  • 7. What soil property is a mix of sand, silt, and clay known as?
A) Soil compaction
B) Soil texture
C) Soil structure
D) Soil fertility
  • 8. What factor influences soil color the most?
A) Soil structure
B) Organic matter content
C) Mineral composition
D) Soil pH
  • 9. What does soil pH measure?
A) Soil fertility
B) Soil texture
C) Acidity or alkalinity of soil
D) Soil structure
  • 10. How does soil texture affect soil fertility?
A) It influences nutrient retention and water availability
B) It impacts soil compaction
C) It affects soil pH
D) It determines soil color
  • 11. What is the term for water movement downward in soil?
A) Leaching
B) Transpiration
C) Percolation
D) Erosion
  • 12. What is the water content of soil referred to shortly after rain or irrigation?
A) Saturation point
B) Permanent wilting point
C) Field capacity
D) Hygroscopic coefficient
  • 13. What is the process in which soil particles are compressed together, reducing pore space?
A) Erosion
B) Leaching
C) Compaction
D) Weathering
  • 14. What is the term used for the upper layer of soil commonly worked by farmers and gardeners?
A) Topsoil
B) Subsoil
C) Regolith
D) Bedrock
  • 15. What is the measurement of the pore spaces in soil?
A) Porosity
B) Density
C) Permeability
D) Compaction
  • 16. What is the term for the decomposition process where organic matter is broken down into simpler substances?
A) Percolation
B) Mineralization
C) Leaching
D) Evaporation
  • 17. What is the term for the movement of water through soil?
A) Percolation
B) Evaporation
C) Infiltration
D) Erosion
  • 18. What is the study of the movement and storage of water in the soil called?
A) Hydrology
B) Meteorology
C) Pedology
D) Agronomy
  • 19. Which soil texture is a balanced mix of sand, silt, and clay?
A) Sand
B) Clay
C) Loam
D) Silt
  • 20. Which soil particle size is the largest?
A) Clay
B) Silt
C) Loam
D) Sand
  • 21. Which soil property is directly related to soil compaction?
A) Bulk density
B) Permeability
C) Porosity
D) CEC
  • 22. What is the measure of the acidity or alkalinity of soil?
A) pH
B) NPK
C) EC
D) LAI
  • 23. What is the term for the loss of soil nutrients due to water moving downwards through the soil?
A) Leaching
B) Compaction
C) Fertilization
D) Mulching
  • 24. What is the term for the process of breaking down rocks into smaller particles by physical means?
A) Leaching
B) Erosion
C) Weathering
D) Decomposition
  • 25. Which horizon is often referred to as the zone of accumulation?
A) C horizon
B) A horizon
C) O horizon
D) B horizon
  • 26. What is the ability of soil to hold onto nutrients called?
A) Cation exchange capacity
B) Soil acidity
C) Leaching potential
D) Hygroscopic coefficient
  • 27. What is the process of soil particles being carried away by water or wind?
A) Compaction
B) Decomposition
C) Erosion
D) Leaching
  • 28. What is the typical range of soil particle size for silt?
A) 0.002 - 0.05 mm
B) greater than 2.0 mm
C) 0.05 - 2.0 mm
D) less than 0.002 mm
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