Landscape Design Soil Science and Site Preparation 2

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of adding lime to landscape soil?

Accepted Answer

Raise soil pH to make it less acidic

Answer

Agricultural lime neutralizes soil acidity by raising pH, making nutrients more available for plants that prefer neutral to slightly alkaline conditions.

Question 2

What does a percolation test measure in landscape site assessment?

Accepted Answer

Rate at which water drains through soil

Answer

A percolation test measures how quickly water drains through soil by timing the drop in water level in a test hole, which is critical for drainage and irrigation design.

Question 3

What is the recommended depth of topsoil for establishing a new lawn from seed in the US?

Accepted Answer

4 to 6 inches

Answer

A minimum of 4 to 6 inches of quality topsoil provides adequate depth for turf root development, nutrient reserves, and soil moisture retention.

Question 4

What is hardpan and how does it affect landscape design decisions?

Accepted Answer

Impermeable compacted soil layer that blocks drainage and root growth

Answer

Hardpan is a dense, impermeable soil layer that blocks drainage and root penetration, requiring raised beds, drainage solutions, or breaking through.

Question 5

Which nutrient deficiency causes yellowing between leaf veins (interveinal chlorosis) in landscape plants?

Accepted Answer

Iron deficiency

Answer

Iron chlorosis causes yellowing between veins while veins remain green; it commonly occurs in high-pH soils where iron becomes unavailable despite being present.

Landscape Design Practice Test

Landscape Design Practice Test

Landscape Design Soil Science and Site Preparation 2