Arizona Soil Conservation Technician
Certification Exam Practice Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationale 2026 Q&A| Instant
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1. A soil survey map shows a designated area labeled as “Hydric Soil.”
Which statement best describes the characteristics of hydric soils?
A. They have high sand content and rapid infiltration rates
B. They are predominantly composed of calcium carbonate with
minimal organic matter
C. They are saturated, flooded, or ponded long enough during the
growing season to develop anaerobic conditions
D. They are found exclusively in upland rangeland areas
Hydric soils are defined by their saturation and anaerobic conditions which
result from prolonged wetting during the growing season, making option C
correct.
2. During a soil texture analysis using the hydrometer method, the
hydrometer reading increases over time while the suspension settles.
What does an increasing hydrometer reading most likely indicate
about the soil particles in suspension?
A. The organic matter content is decreasing
B. Coarse sand particles are dominating the suspension
C. Finer clay particles remain in suspension, causing higher
, hydrometer readings
D. The soil has low plasticity and low cation exchange capacity
As larger particles settle quickly, an increasing hydrometer reading over
time reflects the presence of finer clay particles that remain suspended,
making option C correct.
3. A landowner plans to install a grass waterway to reduce erosion on a
gently sloping site. What is the primary purpose of a grass waterway in
conservation practice?
A. To store runoff for irrigation
B. To convey surface water at a non-erosive velocity to a stable
outlet
C. To increase the soil organic matter content in downstream fields
D. To serve as a permanent riparian buffer for wildlife
Grass waterways are designed to safely convey runoff without causing
erosion, so option B is correct.
4. Which soil horizon is most commonly associated with the
accumulation of clay, iron, and aluminum oxides due to illuviation?
A. O horizon
B. B horizon
C. C horizon
D. R horizon
The B horizon is the zone of accumulation where clay and oxides
accumulate through illuviation, making option B correct.
5. A soil pH test returns a value of 5.1 on an irrigated agricultural field.
What amendment would most likely be recommended to raise the pH
to a more neutral range?
A. Gypsum
B. Agricultural lime (calcitic or dolomitic lime)
C. Elemental sulfur
D. Urea
, To raise soil pH, lime is applied because it neutralizes acidity, making
option B correct.
6. A conservation technician notices severe rill erosion on a field after a
storm. Which practice would be most effective in controlling the rill
erosion on subsequent storms?
A. Applying a herbicide to increase vegetation health
B. Establishing contour strip cropping or cover crop along the slope
C. Increasing the frequency of tillage
D. Installing sub-surface drainage
Contour strip cropping reduces runoff velocity across slopes and controls
rill formation, so option B is correct.
7. When performing an infiltration test, the technician notes that the
rate decreases significantly after the initial readings. What is the most
probable cause?
A. Increase in gravel content
B. Soil sealing and swelling of clay particles at the surface
C. Soil aggregate stability increasing
D. Organic matter content was too low
Soil sealing and swelling of clays reduces pore space at the surface,
decreasing infiltration, making option B correct.
8. Which conservation practice is best suited to control wind erosion on
a large, dry, exposed field in a semi-arid climate?
A. Subsurface banding of fertilizer
B. Deep ripping to break hardpans
C. Establishing windbreaks or shelterbelts
D. Tilling perpendicular to prevailing winds
Windbreaks reduce wind velocity and control erosion, so option C is
correct.
9. A soil with a high cation exchange capacity (CEC) generally:
A. Has low nutrient retention
Certification Exam Practice Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationale 2026 Q&A| Instant
Download Pdf
1. A soil survey map shows a designated area labeled as “Hydric Soil.”
Which statement best describes the characteristics of hydric soils?
A. They have high sand content and rapid infiltration rates
B. They are predominantly composed of calcium carbonate with
minimal organic matter
C. They are saturated, flooded, or ponded long enough during the
growing season to develop anaerobic conditions
D. They are found exclusively in upland rangeland areas
Hydric soils are defined by their saturation and anaerobic conditions which
result from prolonged wetting during the growing season, making option C
correct.
2. During a soil texture analysis using the hydrometer method, the
hydrometer reading increases over time while the suspension settles.
What does an increasing hydrometer reading most likely indicate
about the soil particles in suspension?
A. The organic matter content is decreasing
B. Coarse sand particles are dominating the suspension
C. Finer clay particles remain in suspension, causing higher
, hydrometer readings
D. The soil has low plasticity and low cation exchange capacity
As larger particles settle quickly, an increasing hydrometer reading over
time reflects the presence of finer clay particles that remain suspended,
making option C correct.
3. A landowner plans to install a grass waterway to reduce erosion on a
gently sloping site. What is the primary purpose of a grass waterway in
conservation practice?
A. To store runoff for irrigation
B. To convey surface water at a non-erosive velocity to a stable
outlet
C. To increase the soil organic matter content in downstream fields
D. To serve as a permanent riparian buffer for wildlife
Grass waterways are designed to safely convey runoff without causing
erosion, so option B is correct.
4. Which soil horizon is most commonly associated with the
accumulation of clay, iron, and aluminum oxides due to illuviation?
A. O horizon
B. B horizon
C. C horizon
D. R horizon
The B horizon is the zone of accumulation where clay and oxides
accumulate through illuviation, making option B correct.
5. A soil pH test returns a value of 5.1 on an irrigated agricultural field.
What amendment would most likely be recommended to raise the pH
to a more neutral range?
A. Gypsum
B. Agricultural lime (calcitic or dolomitic lime)
C. Elemental sulfur
D. Urea
, To raise soil pH, lime is applied because it neutralizes acidity, making
option B correct.
6. A conservation technician notices severe rill erosion on a field after a
storm. Which practice would be most effective in controlling the rill
erosion on subsequent storms?
A. Applying a herbicide to increase vegetation health
B. Establishing contour strip cropping or cover crop along the slope
C. Increasing the frequency of tillage
D. Installing sub-surface drainage
Contour strip cropping reduces runoff velocity across slopes and controls
rill formation, so option B is correct.
7. When performing an infiltration test, the technician notes that the
rate decreases significantly after the initial readings. What is the most
probable cause?
A. Increase in gravel content
B. Soil sealing and swelling of clay particles at the surface
C. Soil aggregate stability increasing
D. Organic matter content was too low
Soil sealing and swelling of clays reduces pore space at the surface,
decreasing infiltration, making option B correct.
8. Which conservation practice is best suited to control wind erosion on
a large, dry, exposed field in a semi-arid climate?
A. Subsurface banding of fertilizer
B. Deep ripping to break hardpans
C. Establishing windbreaks or shelterbelts
D. Tilling perpendicular to prevailing winds
Windbreaks reduce wind velocity and control erosion, so option C is
correct.
9. A soil with a high cation exchange capacity (CEC) generally:
A. Has low nutrient retention
