B.F. Bachelor of Forestry Forest Soils

Question 1

What is the O horizon in a forest soil profile primarily composed of?

Accepted Answer

Decomposed and partially decomposed organic matter

Answer

The O horizon consists of organic matter in various stages of decomposition, including leaf litter, twigs, and humus, and sits above the mineral soil.

Question 2

Which soil texture has the highest water-holding capacity?

Accepted Answer

Clay loam

Answer

Clay loam has fine particles with a large surface area that allows it to hold significantly more water than coarser-textured soils.

Question 3

What is the downward movement of water through soil that carries dissolved minerals called?

Accepted Answer

Leaching

Answer

Leaching is the process by which percolating water carries soluble minerals and nutrients downward out of the upper soil layers.

Question 4

Which soil order is most commonly associated with highly weathered, nutrient-poor soils found under humid subtropical forests in the southeastern US?

Accepted Answer

Ultisols

Answer

Ultisols are highly weathered, acidic soils with low fertility and a clay-enriched B horizon, common in the humid southeastern United States.

Question 5

What does cation exchange capacity (CEC) measure in forest soils?

Accepted Answer

The soil's ability to hold and supply positively charged nutrient ions

Answer

CEC measures the soil's capacity to retain cations such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are essential plant macronutrients.

B.F. Bachelor of Forestry Practice Test

B.F. Bachelor of Forestry Practice Test

B.F. Bachelor of Forestry Forest Soils