AFM AFM Soil & Land Management

Question 1

Which soil testing parameter is most critical for determining lime application rates on US farmland?

Accepted Answer

Soil pH

Answer

Soil pH directly determines the need for lime to neutralize acidity and optimize nutrient availability for crops.

Question 2

What does a Soil Survey Geographic Database (SSURGO) primarily provide to farm managers?

Accepted Answer

Detailed soil map units and interpretations for land use planning

Answer

SSURGO provides detailed soil map units, properties, and interpretations that guide land use decisions, drainage planning, and productivity ratings.

Question 3

Conservation tillage practices primarily benefit farm managers by:

Accepted Answer

Reducing soil erosion and lowering fuel and labor costs

Answer

Conservation tillage leaves crop residue on the soil surface, which reduces erosion and decreases the number of field passes, saving fuel and labor.

Question 4

A Highly Erodible Land (HEL) determination affects an AFM-managed farm primarily because:

Accepted Answer

It requires a conservation plan to maintain eligibility for USDA program benefits

Answer

Under USDA's Highly Erodible Land Conservation provisions, producers farming HEL must apply an approved conservation system to remain eligible for federal farm program benefits.

Question 5

Which practice best improves water infiltration on compacted US agricultural soils?

Accepted Answer

Subsoil tillage or deep ripping to break up plow pan

Answer

Subsoil tillage disrupts the compacted layer below the normal tillage depth, allowing water and roots to penetrate more easily.

(AFM) Accredited Farm Manager Certification Practice Test

(AFM) Accredited Farm Manager Certification Practice Test

AFM AFM Soil & Land Management