SCSC 301 EXAM 1 QUESTIONS WITH COMPLETE SOLUTIONS

What are the corresponding colors with the associated soils? __1__ colored soils come from organic matter. __2__ colored soils come from iron and aluminum oxides. __3__ colored soils come from silicates and salts. correct answer: 1 --- BLACK 2 --- RED 3 --- WHITE What are the 4 main components of soil and what are their relative proportions to the composition of soil? correct answer: Mineral matter -- 45% Organic matter -- 5 % Soil Water -- 25% Soil Air -- 25% Which 2 elements compose the *pore space*What are the in soil? A. Carbon and Oxygen B. Iron and Salt C. Water and Air D. Minerals and Organic matter correct answer: C. Water and Air What are the 4 arguments for why soil is important? correct answer: 1. Provisions = provide water, food, medicines and lumber 2. Regulators = purify water, decompose wastes, control pests, modify atmosphere gases 3. Support = helps with nutrient cycling, seed dispersal, primary biomass production 4. Cultural Values = provides spiritual uplift, archeological preservation and outdoor recreation What are the *6 soil ecosystem functions and services*? hint: (an acronym) MMURRP correct answer: 1. Medium for plant growth 2. Modify atmosphere 3. Used for building and engineering 4. Regulate water supplies 5. Recycle raw materials 6. Provides habitats for organisms What characteristics constitute soil as a medium for plant growth? correct answer: 1. physical support = anchors plant roots 2. water = holds water necessary for photosynthesis 3. air = provides ventilation (CO2 - O2 exchange) 4. moderates temperature = insulates roots and organisms 5. protection from toxins = detoxification, microbial 6. provide nutrients = macro and micronutrients What are the *macronutrients* vital for plant growth? {remember, MACROnutrients comprise 0.1%} hint: 3 nonmetallic and 3 metallic elements are listed correct answer: - calcium - magnesium - nitrogen - potassium - nitrogen - phosphorus - sulfur What are the *micronutrients* vital for plant growth? {remember, micronutrients comprise 0.1%} hint: 2 metallic and 2 nonmetallic elements are listed correct answer: - iron - copper - manganese - nickel - zinc