CFA Soil Science and Testing 2

Question 1

A soil test reports a cation exchange capacity (CEC) of 25 meq/100g. What does this indicate about the soil's nutrient-holding ability?

Accepted Answer

High nutrient-holding capacity

Answer

Very low nutrient-holding capacity

Answer

Moderate nutrient-holding capacity

Answer

CEC does not relate to nutrient holding

Question 2

Which soil texture class typically has the highest water-holding capacity?

Accepted Answer

Clay loam

Answer

Sand

Answer

Loamy sand

Answer

Gravel

Question 3

When a soil test shows high phosphorus levels, a fertilizer applicator should:

Accepted Answer

Reduce or eliminate phosphorus fertilizer applications

Answer

Double the phosphorus application to maximize crop uptake

Answer

Switch to a high-nitrogen phosphorus blend

Answer

Apply lime to reduce phosphorus availability

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of measuring soil electrical conductivity (EC)?

Accepted Answer

To estimate soil salinity and ion concentration

Answer

To determine soil pH

Answer

To measure organic matter content

Answer

To assess soil compaction

Question 5

A soil with a high silt content is most prone to which problem?

Accepted Answer

Surface crusting and reduced water infiltration

Answer

Rapid drainage and drought stress

Answer

Excessive potassium fixation

Answer

Very high CEC

Question 6

Which nutrient becomes less available to plants as soil pH rises above 7.5?

Accepted Answer

Iron

Answer

Molybdenum

Answer

Calcium

Answer

Magnesium

Question 7

Soil organic matter content is best improved over the long term by:

Accepted Answer

Adding cover crops and crop residue

Answer

Frequent deep tillage

Answer

Applying anhydrous ammonia

Answer

Increasing irrigation frequency