Soil Management Flashcards
7 cards from real ISA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Soil Management flashcards as text
A soil test reports a pH of 5.0. Which amendment would most effectively raise the pH?
Answer: Ground limestone (calcitic lime)
Calcitic lime (calcium carbonate) neutralizes soil acidity and raises pH, making nutrients more available.
Which soil horizon is typically richest in organic matter and most important for tree root activity?
Answer: A horizon
The A horizon (topsoil) contains the highest concentration of organic matter and supports the most active root zone.
Nitrogen deficiency in trees typically presents as:
Answer: Uniform yellowing of older leaves first
Nitrogen is mobile in the plant, so deficiency symptoms appear first on older leaves as nitrogen is redirected to new growth.
What is the recommended depth for applying organic mulch around trees?
Answer: 2–4 inches
A 2–4 inch mulch layer conserves moisture and moderates temperature without creating anaerobic conditions at the root flare.
Which soil type is most prone to waterlogging and anaerobic conditions?
Answer: Clay soil
Clay soil's fine particles create micropores that drain very slowly, leading to persistent waterlogged, oxygen-poor conditions.
Mycorrhizal fungi benefit trees primarily by:
Answer: Extending the effective root surface area for water and nutrient uptake
Mycorrhizal hyphae extend far beyond root tips, dramatically increasing the volume of soil a tree can access for water and phosphorus.
Soil salinity damages trees primarily by:
Answer: Creating osmotic stress that limits water uptake
High salt concentrations lower the osmotic potential of soil water, making it harder for roots to absorb water even when the soil appears moist.