Ch 5 Unit 2 Honors Quiz

Humus is the correct answer because it is the largest component of organic matter in the breakdown of soil. Humus is the dark, organic material that forms in soil when plant and animal matter decompose. It is rich in nutrients and helps to improve soil structure and fertility. Roots and organisms also contribute to the breakdown of organic matter, but humus is the largest component.

The layers of soil are grouped together into horizons. This refers to the different layers of soil that are formed over time due to various processes such as weathering, erosion, and deposition. Each horizon has distinct characteristics, such as color, texture, and composition, which are influenced by factors like climate, vegetation, and parent material. These horizons play an important role in determining the fertility and overall health of the soil, as well as its suitability for different types of plants and crops.

The fate of soil erosion depends on multiple factors, including climate, slope steepness, and the type of vegetation. Climate plays a significant role as it determines the amount and intensity of rainfall, which can lead to erosion. Slope steepness affects the speed at which water flows over the surface, increasing the likelihood of erosion. The type of vegetation also plays a crucial role as plants help stabilize the soil by reducing the impact of rainfall and holding the soil together with their roots. Therefore, all of these factors contribute to the fate of soil erosion.

Humus is the correct answer because it is a soil component that is formed from the decomposition of dead animal and plant matter. It is rich in organic matter and nutrients, which helps to enrich the soil. Humus improves soil structure, water holding capacity, and nutrient availability, making it essential for healthy plant growth.

Earthworms are not a major component of soil. They are organisms that live in the soil and help with the decomposition of organic matter, but they themselves are not considered a major component of soil. The major components of soil include mineral matter, which provides the physical structure, and humus, which is the organic component derived from decomposed plant and animal material.

The given statement is false. The topsoil is actually the darker layer that is found on the surface of the soil. It is rich in organic matter and nutrients, making it ideal for plant growth. The lighter layer below the topsoil is called the subsoil, which is typically less fertile and contains less organic matter. Therefore, the correct answer is false.

Plants are the main source of organic matter in soil. They contribute to the soil's organic content through the deposition of dead leaves, branches, and other plant materials. These organic materials are then broken down by soil microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, to release nutrients and create a nutrient-rich soil environment. Therefore, plants play a crucial role in the formation and maintenance of soil organic matter.

Rates of soil erosion are faster compared to the past. This implies that the process of soil erosion is occurring at a quicker pace now than it did in previous times.

The statement claims that human activities have slowed down the amount of erosion that occurs today. However, this statement is false. Human activities such as farming, logging, and construction actually contribute to increased erosion. Farming practices like plowing and deforestation for logging lead to the removal of vegetation, which reduces the ability of the soil to hold onto water and increases the likelihood of erosion. Construction activities can also disrupt natural drainage patterns and increase erosion. Therefore, human activities have not slowed down erosion but rather have accelerated it.

Soil formation is influenced by several factors, including climate, topography, and time. In a warm, wet climate, there is abundant rainfall and higher temperatures, which accelerate the weathering of rocks and the decomposition of organic matter. This promotes the breakdown of minerals and the accumulation of organic materials, leading to the formation of fertile soil. A flat area provides a larger surface area for the accumulation of sediment and organic matter, allowing for greater soil formation compared to a steep slope. Therefore, in a flat area in a warm, wet climate, soil formation will be the greatest.

Strip cropping is a method used by farmers to prevent soil erosion on hills. It involves planting different crops in alternating strips across a slope. This helps to break up the flow of water and slow down its movement, reducing the risk of soil erosion. The different crops also have different root systems, which further helps to stabilize the soil. By implementing strip cropping, farmers can effectively prevent soil erosion and protect their land for sustainable agriculture.

A soil's texture is determined by the particle size. Different soil particles, such as sand, silt, and clay, have varying sizes and properties. The combination and proportion of these particles determine the texture of the soil. Sand particles are larger and feel gritty, while clay particles are smaller and feel sticky. Silt particles are intermediate in size. The texture of the soil affects its ability to retain water, drain properly, and provide nutrients to plants.

humus or organic matter consists of decaying plant matter and decaying animal matter. topsoil also absorbs nutrients such as nitrogen from the atmosphere. the topsoil is soft and loose because of the animals such as moles, earthworms and groundhogs making tunnels and burrows.

The correct answer options describe different methods to increase humus in the soil. Planting cover crops after harvesting corn or wheat helps to add organic matter to the soil, which eventually contributes to the formation of humus. Adding cow, horse, or chicken manure and turning it under in the spring also enriches the soil with organic material, promoting humus formation. Composting food scraps, egg shells, leaves, and coffee grounds and incorporating them into the soil before plowing also adds organic matter, which enhances humus content in the soil.