CFP Soil Science & Analysis 3

Question 1

Which soil property most directly influences the seepage rate from an earthen fish pond?

Accepted Answer

Soil permeability (hydraulic conductivity)

Answer

Hydraulic conductivity determines how quickly water moves through soil, directly controlling seepage losses from pond embankments.

Question 2

The presence of hardpan or fragipan in a soil profile would most concern a fisheries manager because it:

Accepted Answer

Restricts drainage and may cause perched water tables affecting site selection

Answer

Hardpan layers restrict vertical water movement, creating perched water tables that complicate drainage and excavation for pond construction.

Question 3

Organic soils (Histosols) are generally considered poor choices for fish pond construction primarily because:

Accepted Answer

They are highly compressible, causing embankment settling and structural instability

Answer

Histosols are poorly suited for pond embankments because organic material compresses under load, leading to structural failure.

Question 4

Which of the following soil tests is most useful for determining lime requirement in pond soils?

Accepted Answer

Shoemaker-McLean-Pratt (SMP) buffer pH test

Answer

The SMP buffer pH test estimates the buffering capacity of acidic soils and is used to calculate lime application rates.

Question 5

Sulfidic materials (potential acid sulfate soils) in a pond site present a major risk because upon drainage or excavation they:

Accepted Answer

Oxidize to produce sulfuric acid, dramatically lowering pH

Answer

When sulfidic sediments are exposed to oxygen, iron sulfides oxidize to form sulfuric acid, which can drop pH below 4 and kill fish.

(CFP) Certified Fisheries Professional Practice Test