FM FM Soil Science & Hydrology 2

Question 1

Which soil property is the best indicator of compaction risk from heavy logging equipment?

Accepted Answer

Bulk density

Answer

Soil pH

Answer

Cation exchange capacity

Answer

Soil color

Question 2

In forest hydrology, Best Management Practices (BMPs) are primarily designed to:

Accepted Answer

Protect water quality during and after harvesting operations

Answer

Maximize timber volume removed per acre

Answer

Eliminate riparian wildlife habitat

Answer

Increase surface runoff to improve stream flows

Question 3

What is 'interflow' (also called throughflow) in a forest watershed?

Accepted Answer

Lateral subsurface water movement through the soil during storm events

Answer

Water flowing overland across the soil surface

Answer

Deep percolation to the water table

Answer

Capillary rise from groundwater into the root zone

Question 4

Which process in the forest nitrogen cycle converts atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into plant-available forms?

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen fixation

Answer

Denitrification

Answer

Nitrification

Answer

Mineralization

Question 5

In a forested watershed, the water table typically exhibits which seasonal pattern?

Accepted Answer

Rises in winter/fall when trees are dormant and falls in summer

Answer

Remains constant year-round

Answer

Rises during summer when trees are actively transpiring

Answer

Drops in winter when precipitation is highest

Question 6

What type of soil erosion is most commonly associated with forest roads and skid trails?

Accepted Answer

Rill and gully erosion from concentrated flow

Answer

Sheet erosion across flat surfaces

Answer

Wind erosion from exposed areas

Answer

Splash erosion from raindrop impact

Question 7

What is the primary soil-related concern when logging operations are conducted during wet soil conditions?

Accepted Answer

Soil compaction and rutting that reduce long-term site productivity

Answer

Increased fire risk

Answer

Decreased organic matter accumulation

Answer

Elevated soil pH levels