CF Watershed & Soil Conservation Flashcards

What does soil 'cation exchange capacity' (CEC) indicate about a forest soil?

Answer: The soil's ability to retain and supply positively charged nutrient ions to plants

CEC measures the quantity of cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺, NH₄⁺) a soil can hold and exchange with plant roots, making it a key indicator of nutrient-holding capacity.

Which watershed-level measure is used to assess the cumulative effects of multiple harvests on hydrology?

Answer: Equivalent clearcut area (ECA)

ECA aggregates the hydrologic effect of all harvested areas adjusted for recovery, helping managers assess cumulative watershed disturbance relative to established thresholds.

A certified forester observes rill erosion developing on a recently constructed forest road. What is the immediate corrective action?

Answer: Install water bars or rolling dips to redirect runoff off the road surface

Water bars and rolling dips intercept concentrated rill flow and redirect it to stable vegetated areas, stopping rill development before gullies form.

What is the relationship between forest canopy cover and stream temperature in headwater streams?

Answer: Greater canopy cover shades the stream, keeping water temperatures cooler

Riparian tree canopy intercepts solar radiation, preventing direct heating of stream water and maintaining the cool temperatures required by cold-water fish like trout.

Which soil property is most directly measured by a double-ring infiltrometer in the field?

Answer: Saturated hydraulic conductivity and infiltration rate

A double-ring infiltrometer measures the rate at which water enters the soil under saturated conditions, providing an estimate of saturated hydraulic conductivity.

Under the Clean Water Act Section 404, what activity in forested wetlands requires a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers?

Answer: Discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States, including wetlands

Section 404 regulates the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the US, including jurisdictional wetlands, requiring permits for activities such as road construction or drainage alterations.