Evaluate the physical and chemical properties of soil.
Evaluation should include
- soil texture and its importance, using the soil triangle, and mechanical analysis and/or the ribbon or feel test
- proportion of sand, silt, and clay
- water-holding capacity and aeration
- effect of particle size
- specific surface area
- soil-pore space
- soil permeability and related properties
- soil color
- soil structure and formation
- soil consistency, compaction, and tilth
- soil bulk density
- cation exchange capacity (CEC)
- organic matter
- carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C:N).
Process/Skill Questions:
- What are the soil particles/separates, from smallest to largest?
- What is a soil survey?
- What are the land capability classes, and why are they important?
- How can soil color be an indicator of soil conditions?
- What are soil aggregates, peds, and clods, and how do they affect soil structure, function, and fertility?
- Why does soil pH below 6 result in an increase in aluminum?
- How is a soil triangle used?
- How is the ribbon method used?
- What is the purpose of determining soil texture and soil properties?
- How does soil texture affect its fertility?