Question 1

What is the water-holding capacity of soil?

Accepted Answer

The total amount of water soil can hold

(varies with soil types; contributes to land productivity and soil fertility)

Question 2

What is the particle size of soil?

Accepted Answer

The diameter of individual particles in soil

(clay= <0.002mm, silt=0.002-0.05mm, sand=0.05-2mm, gravel= >2mm)

Question 3

What is a soil's porosity?

Accepted Answer

How many spaces or holes there are in the soil that liquid/air can pass through

(larger particle size = higher porosity)

Question 4

How is the permeability of soil?

Accepted Answer

The ability of nutrients and water to move down the soil horizons

(larger particle size = higher permeability)

Question 5

What is the fertility of soil?

Accepted Answer

The ability of a soil to sustain plant growth and provide nutrients

Question 6

TODO: ERT-4.C.3
There are a variety of methods to test the
chemical, physical, and biological properties of
soil that can aid in a variety of decisions, such
as irrigation and fertilizer requirements.

Accepted Answer

todo

Question 7

How do you read the soil texture triangle?

Accepted Answer

The angle of the numbers shows you the way the lines go for each type of particle

(40% sand, 20% clay, 40% silt = loam)

Question 8

What type of soil is 70% sand, 15% clay, and 15% silt?

Accepted Answer

Sandy loams

(follow the numbers diagonally)

4.3 Soil Composition and Properties, AP Environmental Science Flashcards