Soil Composition and Properties - AP Environmental Science
Card 1 of 30
Identify the soil layer where roots primarily grow.
Identify the soil layer where roots primarily grow.
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A Horizon. Zone of maximum biological activity and nutrient concentration.
A Horizon. Zone of maximum biological activity and nutrient concentration.
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Identify the process of water movement through soil.
Identify the process of water movement through soil.
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Percolation. Gravity-driven downward flow through soil layers.
Percolation. Gravity-driven downward flow through soil layers.
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What is the pH range of acidic soil?
What is the pH range of acidic soil?
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pH less than 7. High hydrogen ion concentration affects nutrient availability.
pH less than 7. High hydrogen ion concentration affects nutrient availability.
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What is the effect of soil compaction on plant growth?
What is the effect of soil compaction on plant growth?
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Reduces root penetration and water infiltration. Compressed particles decrease pore space for growth.
Reduces root penetration and water infiltration. Compressed particles decrease pore space for growth.
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How does vegetation affect soil erosion?
How does vegetation affect soil erosion?
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Reduces erosion by stabilizing soil. Root systems bind particles and slow water runoff.
Reduces erosion by stabilizing soil. Root systems bind particles and slow water runoff.
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What is the soil texture triangle used for?
What is the soil texture triangle used for?
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To classify soil texture based on particle size. Determines proportions of sand, silt, and clay in soil samples.
To classify soil texture based on particle size. Determines proportions of sand, silt, and clay in soil samples.
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What role does organic matter play in soil?
What role does organic matter play in soil?
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Improves fertility and structure. Increases cation exchange capacity and water holding ability.
Improves fertility and structure. Increases cation exchange capacity and water holding ability.
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What are the three primary soil particles by size?
What are the three primary soil particles by size?
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Sand, silt, and clay. Categorized by decreasing particle diameter from largest to smallest.
Sand, silt, and clay. Categorized by decreasing particle diameter from largest to smallest.
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How does pH affect soil microbial activity?
How does pH affect soil microbial activity?
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Microbial activity is optimal near neutral pH. Extreme pH values reduce enzyme function and diversity.
Microbial activity is optimal near neutral pH. Extreme pH values reduce enzyme function and diversity.
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What is the effect of high soil pH on nutrient availability?
What is the effect of high soil pH on nutrient availability?
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Decreases availability of some nutrients. Iron and phosphorus become less soluble in basic conditions.
Decreases availability of some nutrients. Iron and phosphorus become less soluble in basic conditions.
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What is the effect of soil erosion on fertility?
What is the effect of soil erosion on fertility?
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Reduces fertility by removing topsoil. Loss of nutrient-rich surface layer reduces productivity.
Reduces fertility by removing topsoil. Loss of nutrient-rich surface layer reduces productivity.
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What is the primary component of mineral soil?
What is the primary component of mineral soil?
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Inorganic material. Weathered rock fragments provide structure and nutrients.
Inorganic material. Weathered rock fragments provide structure and nutrients.
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What is the pH range of basic soil?
What is the pH range of basic soil?
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pH greater than 7. High hydroxide ion concentration can limit phosphorus uptake.
pH greater than 7. High hydroxide ion concentration can limit phosphorus uptake.
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Which soil type has equal parts of sand, silt, and clay?
Which soil type has equal parts of sand, silt, and clay?
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Loam. Approximately equal proportions create ideal agricultural conditions.
Loam. Approximately equal proportions create ideal agricultural conditions.
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What is the effect of organic amendments on soil?
What is the effect of organic amendments on soil?
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Improve structure, fertility, and microbial activity. Add nutrients and beneficial organisms to enhance growth.
Improve structure, fertility, and microbial activity. Add nutrients and beneficial organisms to enhance growth.
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Which soil type has the fastest drainage?
Which soil type has the fastest drainage?
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Sand. Large pore spaces between particles allow rapid water movement.
Sand. Large pore spaces between particles allow rapid water movement.
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Identify the process of converting organic waste into humus.
Identify the process of converting organic waste into humus.
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Composting. Aerobic decomposition creates stable organic matter.
Composting. Aerobic decomposition creates stable organic matter.
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What is the primary mineral component of clay?
What is the primary mineral component of clay?
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Silicates. Layered aluminum and silicon structures provide stability.
Silicates. Layered aluminum and silicon structures provide stability.
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What does soil texture affect?
What does soil texture affect?
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Water retention, permeability, and workability. Particle size distribution determines physical behavior.
Water retention, permeability, and workability. Particle size distribution determines physical behavior.
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What is humus?
What is humus?
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Decayed organic matter in soil. Forms from decomposition by bacteria and fungi over time.
Decayed organic matter in soil. Forms from decomposition by bacteria and fungi over time.
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What is the purpose of soil conservation?
What is the purpose of soil conservation?
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Prevent soil erosion and degradation. Maintains productive agricultural land for future generations.
Prevent soil erosion and degradation. Maintains productive agricultural land for future generations.
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What is the B Horizon also known as?
What is the B Horizon also known as?
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Subsoil. Accumulation zone for leached minerals from upper layers.
Subsoil. Accumulation zone for leached minerals from upper layers.
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What is soil fertility?
What is soil fertility?
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Ability of soil to provide nutrients for plant growth. Combination of physical, chemical, and biological factors.
Ability of soil to provide nutrients for plant growth. Combination of physical, chemical, and biological factors.
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Identify the soil horizon known as the topsoil.
Identify the soil horizon known as the topsoil.
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A Horizon. Contains mixture of organic matter and weathered minerals.
A Horizon. Contains mixture of organic matter and weathered minerals.
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What is soil permeability?
What is soil permeability?
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The ability of soil to transmit water and air. Controlled by pore size and connectivity between particles.
The ability of soil to transmit water and air. Controlled by pore size and connectivity between particles.
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What is the role of soil microorganisms?
What is the role of soil microorganisms?
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Decompose organic matter. Break down dead material into nutrients plants can absorb.
Decompose organic matter. Break down dead material into nutrients plants can absorb.
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What is the primary factor in determining soil color?
What is the primary factor in determining soil color?
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Organic matter content and mineral composition. Dark colors indicate high organic content and iron oxides.
Organic matter content and mineral composition. Dark colors indicate high organic content and iron oxides.
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Identify the soil horizon rich in organic material.
Identify the soil horizon rich in organic material.
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O Horizon. Surface layer of fresh leaf litter and decomposing material.
O Horizon. Surface layer of fresh leaf litter and decomposing material.
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What is the cation exchange capacity (CEC)?
What is the cation exchange capacity (CEC)?
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Ability of soil to hold and exchange cations. Measures soil's ability to retain essential plant nutrients.
Ability of soil to hold and exchange cations. Measures soil's ability to retain essential plant nutrients.
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What is soil porosity?
What is soil porosity?
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The volume of pores or spaces in soil. Determines water storage capacity and gas exchange in soil.
The volume of pores or spaces in soil. Determines water storage capacity and gas exchange in soil.
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