LARE LARE Soils and Site Conditions

Question 1

According to USDA soil texture classification, which soil type has the highest percentage of sand particles?

Accepted Answer

Sandy loam

Answer

Loam

Answer

Silt loam

Answer

Clay loam

Question 2

What does soil 'percolation rate' measure, and why is it important for landscape design?

Accepted Answer

The speed at which water moves through the soil, affecting drainage and irrigation design

Answer

The rate at which organic matter decomposes in the soil profile

Answer

The rate at which soil compacts under foot traffic loading

Answer

The nutrient release rate from slow-release fertilizers

Question 3

Which USDA natural resources document is the primary reference landscape architects use to obtain detailed soil survey data for a project site in the US?

Accepted Answer

Web Soil Survey (WSS) published by NRCS

Answer

FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map

Answer

USGS National Land Cover Database

Answer

EPA EnviroMapper Site Report

Question 4

What does the term 'soil horizon' refer to in site analysis?

Accepted Answer

A distinct layer of soil with different physical and chemical properties from adjacent layers

Answer

The maximum depth of a site's seasonal high water table

Answer

The horizontal extent of a soil type across a site

Answer

The depth at which bedrock is encountered during boring

Question 5

On a LARE site section, which layer is typically shown as 'fill' and why must it be identified?

Accepted Answer

Previously placed non-native material that may be unstable or contaminated

Answer

The organic topsoil layer placed after grading is complete

Answer

Bedrock material excavated and recompacted on-site

Answer

Imported loam used for planting bed preparation

Question 6

What soil property does a 'standard Proctor compaction test' measure, and how is it used in landscape construction?

Accepted Answer

Maximum dry density and optimum moisture content for compaction specifications

Answer

Soil pH and buffering capacity for plant nutrient availability

Answer

Soil permeability at various saturation levels

Answer

Bearing capacity of undisturbed native soils