Soils Classification Practice
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Which surface horizon has a low base saturation (USDA)?
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Mollic
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Umbric
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Ochric
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Histic
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This 'Soils Classification Practice' quiz assesses knowledge on soil horizons, classifications, and properties according to USDA standards. It includes identifying specific soil orders, horizon characteristics, and understanding surface and subsurface layers, crucial for students and professionals in environmental and soil sciences.
- 2.
List in order the hierarchial classifications for USDA________________________________________________
Explanation
The correct answer is the order, suborder, great group, subgroup, family, and series. This is the hierarchical classification system used by the USDA. The order is the highest level of classification, followed by suborder, great group, subgroup, family, and series. This system allows for the organization and categorization of different species and groups of organisms based on their similarities and differences.Rate this question:
- 3.
Which soil order (USDA) has 30% or more clay to a depth of 50 cm and shrinking/swelling properties?
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Histosols
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Andisols
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Vertisols
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Utisols
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Gelisols
Correct Answer
A. VertisolsExplanation
Vertisols are the correct answer because they are soil orders that contain 30% or more clay to a depth of 50 cm and exhibit shrinking and swelling properties. Vertisols are known for their high clay content, which causes them to expand when wet and shrink when dry. These soils are typically found in areas with distinct wet and dry seasons, where the clay minerals can undergo significant volume changes.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Soils with organic soil materials extending down to a impermeable layer or with an organic layer that is more than 40 cm thick and without andic properties
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Histosols
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Spodosols
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Oxisols
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Vertisols
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Alfisols
Correct Answer
A. HistosolsExplanation
Histosols are soils that have a thick organic layer, typically more than 40 cm thick, and are characterized by the presence of organic soil materials extending down to an impermeable layer. These soils are usually found in wetland areas where organic matter accumulates due to waterlogged conditions, leading to the formation of peat or muck. Histosols have a high water-holding capacity and are often used for agriculture or as wetland habitats.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which USDA soil order has the highest degree of weathering and soil development?
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Entisols
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Vertisols
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Utisols
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Aridsols
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Option is not listed
Correct Answer
A. Option is not listed -
- 6.
For USDA nomenclature names grow to the right
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. FalseExplanation
grow to left - refined or specified by adding "adjectives" to rootsRate this question:
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- 7.
Name the USDA sub-order ________ and order ________ of Haplorthod
Correct Answer
Sub-order = Orthos (true)
Order = SpodosolsExplanation
The correct answer is Spodosols for the order and Orthos for the sub-order. Spodosols are a type of soil order characterized by the accumulation of organic matter and aluminum and iron oxides in the subsoil. Orthos is the correct sub-order within the Spodosols order.Rate this question:
- 8.
Oxisols and Ultisols are the only USDA orders that do not have CSSC (Canadian) equivalents
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. FalseExplanation
Oxisols, Ultisols, Andisols have no CSSC equivalentsRate this question:
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- 9.
Little development because of temperature, Frost churning is typical
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Histosols
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Gelisols
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Aridisols
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Inceptisol
Correct Answer
A. GelisolsExplanation
Gelisols are soils that form in cold environments where there is little development due to low temperatures. Frost churning is a typical characteristic of Gelisols, which refers to the process of freezing and thawing of the soil, causing mixing and movement of soil particles. This constant freezing and thawing leads to minimal soil development and a unique soil profile. Therefore, Gelisols are the most suitable answer based on the given information.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Intensive acid leaching, with podzolic B (o.m. & Al (+Fe) accumulation; Acid vegt: forest (particularly conifer) or heath
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Spodosols
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Histosols
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Mollisols
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Vertisols
Correct Answer
A. SpodosolsExplanation
Spodosols are soils that form under coniferous forests or heath vegetation, where intensive acid leaching occurs. This leaching process leads to the accumulation of organic matter and aluminum (and sometimes iron) in the B horizon of the soil. Therefore, the given answer, Spodosols, is the most appropriate choice based on the information provided.Rate this question:
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- 11.
New soils; little or no horizon development; varied locations – youth, erosion, aridity
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Inceptisols
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Aridisols
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Entisols
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Alfisols
Correct Answer
A. EntisolsExplanation
Entisols are soils that have little or no horizon development, meaning they do not have distinct layers or horizons like other soil types. They are often found in varied locations, including areas with youth (recently formed), erosion, or aridity. These soils are characterized by their lack of profile development, making them different from other soil types such as Inceptisols, Aridisols, and Alfisols.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Young soils; some diagnostic features, but no “mature” horizons; weakly developed A (usually ochric)
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Ultisols
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Histosols
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Mollisols
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Inceptisols
Correct Answer
A. InceptisolsExplanation
Inceptisols are characterized by young soils that have some diagnostic features but lack "mature" horizons. They typically have weakly developed A horizons, which are usually ochric in color. This suggests that the soils are still in the early stages of development and have not yet fully developed the distinct horizons seen in other soil orders. Therefore, the correct answer is Inceptisols.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Organic soils without permafrost; wetland soils; little profile development because of anaerobic conditions; accumulation of organic matter (thick layers);
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Spodosols
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Histosols
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Mollisols
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Oxisols
Correct Answer
A. HistosolsExplanation
Histosols are the correct answer because they are characterized by the accumulation of organic matter in thick layers. They form in wetland areas with anaerobic conditions, which inhibits profile development. These soils are typically found in areas without permafrost and are rich in organic materials.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Largest global order; Light coloured (ochric) A horizons
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Aridisols
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Andisols
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Alfisols
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Vertisols
Correct Answer
A. AridisolsExplanation
Aridisols are the correct answer because they are soils that form in arid or semi-arid environments where there is limited water availability. These soils typically have a light colored (ochric) A horizon, which is the uppermost layer of soil. Aridisols are found in regions such as deserts and dry grasslands, where there is low rainfall and high evaporation rates. The light color of the A horizon is a result of mineral leaching due to the lack of water.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Accumulation of calcium-rich o.m. to form thick (>10 cm), dark, mollic / chernozemic A-horizon, with high base exchange capacity; Cool, sub-arid to sub-humid plains of prairies
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Spodosols
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Histosols
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Mollisols
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Vertisols
Correct Answer
A. MollisolsExplanation
Mollisols are the correct answer because they are characterized by the accumulation of calcium-rich organic matter, which leads to the formation of a thick and dark A-horizon. Mollisols also have a high base exchange capacity, which means they can retain and supply nutrients to plants. The cool, sub-arid to sub-humid plains of prairies mentioned in the question are a typical environment where Mollisols are found.Rate this question:
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- 16.
More weathered than mollisols, less so than spodosols (podzols); Typically soils of deciduous forest or savanna
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Aridisols
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Andisols
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Alfisols
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Vertisols
Correct Answer
A. AlfisolsExplanation
Alfisols are the correct answer because they are described as being more weathered than mollisols (grassland soils) but less weathered than spodosols (forest soils). They are typically found in deciduous forests or savannas. This description matches the given information, making Alfisols the most suitable option.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Gleysolic Order is only recognized in Canada
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The statement is true because Gleysolic Order is a soil order that is specifically recognized and classified by the Canadian System of Soil Classification. This order refers to soils that have a high level of soil moisture and poor drainage, which is common in many parts of Canada. It is not recognized or classified in other soil classification systems used in different countries, making it exclusive to Canada.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Gley is a group of colors that are rich dark brown-black color
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. FalseExplanation
Washed out grey, pale colors. May include pale blue and green and rust colorsRate this question:
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- 19.
Oxisols are relevant in Canada
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. FalseExplanation
humid tropics and subtropics (old soils)Rate this question:
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- 20.
Ultisols are ________ weathered and acidic than Alfisols, but ________ so than Spodosols
Correct Answer
more
lessExplanation
Ultisols have a higher degree of soil development than Alfisols but lower than SpodosolsRate this question:
- 21.
Was this helpful in testing your knowledge?
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
Correct Answer
A. YesExplanation
The given correct answer is "yes" because the question asks if the information provided was helpful in testing one's knowledge, and the respondent agrees that it was.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Soil Classification is fucking brutal and almost pointless to learn
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
it isRate this question:
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Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Mar 21, 2023 +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Oct 16, 2016Quiz Created by
Bhavdeep03
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