Soil Science & Land Management Flashcards
6 cards from real Agriculture and Environment practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Soil Science & Land Management flashcards as text
Which soil texture has the highest water-holding capacity?
Answer: Clay soil
Clay soils have the highest water-holding capacity due to their small particle size, large surface area, and high proportion of micropores.
What is the purpose of a soil percolation test in land use planning?
Answer: To determine how fast water drains through soil for septic system suitability
A percolation (perc) test measures the rate at which water drains through soil, which determines if land can support a septic system.
Which USDA agency maintains the Web Soil Survey, a primary resource for US soil data?
Answer: Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
The NRCS manages the Web Soil Survey, which provides free access to soil maps and data for over 95% of US counties.
What is salinization, and which US region is most affected?
Answer: Accumulation of salts in soil; western irrigated lands
Salinization is the buildup of salts in soil from irrigation water evaporation, most prevalent in western US irrigated agricultural regions like California's Central Valley.
What is the role of earthworms in soil health?
Answer: They improve soil structure, aeration, and nutrient cycling
Earthworms improve soil structure by creating channels that enhance aeration and water infiltration, and their castings add nutrients and beneficial microbes.
Which practice involves applying manure or compost to fields to improve soil fertility?
Answer: Organic amendment application
Organic amendment application adds manure, compost, or other organic materials to soil to improve fertility, structure, and microbial activity.