SSC 200: The Physical Properties of Soil Exam #1 Questions with
Correct Answers
Soil colors are scientifically described by ________ color designations such as 10YR3/4.
Select one:
a. wavelength
b. Parson's
c. USDA
d. structural
e. Munsell - ✔✔e. Munsell
Using a textural triangle chart, it can be determined that a soil with 45% sand and 20% clay
belongs to the ________ textural class.
Select one:
a. sandy clay loam
b. loam
c. loamy sand
d. sandy loam
e. sandy clay - ✔✔b. loam
The plasticity index is used to determine soil texture.
Select one:
True
False - ✔✔False
Fungal hyphae have an important influence on soil structure because they ________.
Select one:
a. create large channels that enhance water flow and aeration
, b. stabilize macro aggregates
c. help to flocculate the soil colloids
d. are active in the formation of soils crusts
e. all of the above - ✔✔b. stabilize macro aggregates
Which of the following is not a textural class name?
Select one:
a. clay
b. sand
c. loam
d. sandy silt
e. silt - ✔✔d. sandy silt
The drainage class of a soil (the degree to which the soil becomes water-saturated during the
year) can be judged by the presence and location of gley in the soil profile.
Select one:
True
False - ✔✔True
Because of their greater surface area per unit of soil mass, silt loams soils generally have a
greater capacity than loamy sand soils to ________.
Select one:
a. support bacterial growth
b. release nutrients by mineral weathering
c. adsorb gases
d. adsorb water
e. all of the above - ✔✔e. all of the above
Correct Answers
Soil colors are scientifically described by ________ color designations such as 10YR3/4.
Select one:
a. wavelength
b. Parson's
c. USDA
d. structural
e. Munsell - ✔✔e. Munsell
Using a textural triangle chart, it can be determined that a soil with 45% sand and 20% clay
belongs to the ________ textural class.
Select one:
a. sandy clay loam
b. loam
c. loamy sand
d. sandy loam
e. sandy clay - ✔✔b. loam
The plasticity index is used to determine soil texture.
Select one:
True
False - ✔✔False
Fungal hyphae have an important influence on soil structure because they ________.
Select one:
a. create large channels that enhance water flow and aeration
, b. stabilize macro aggregates
c. help to flocculate the soil colloids
d. are active in the formation of soils crusts
e. all of the above - ✔✔b. stabilize macro aggregates
Which of the following is not a textural class name?
Select one:
a. clay
b. sand
c. loam
d. sandy silt
e. silt - ✔✔d. sandy silt
The drainage class of a soil (the degree to which the soil becomes water-saturated during the
year) can be judged by the presence and location of gley in the soil profile.
Select one:
True
False - ✔✔True
Because of their greater surface area per unit of soil mass, silt loams soils generally have a
greater capacity than loamy sand soils to ________.
Select one:
a. support bacterial growth
b. release nutrients by mineral weathering
c. adsorb gases
d. adsorb water
e. all of the above - ✔✔e. all of the above