1

Review Questions for Agriculturists Board Exam

University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB)
Soil Science

Section 1. Soil Microbiology

1. Net nitrogen immobilization in soil occurs if the C/N is

a. Less than 20:1 b. Greater than 20:1
c. Greater than 35:1 d. Less than l5:1 e. None of the above

2. Individually which among the following soil organisms have the least biomass?
a. Actinomycetes c. Bacteria
b. Fungi d. Protozoa e. Earthworm

3. Which among the following soil organisms are acid-loving?

a. Fungi c. Bacteria
b. Protozoa d. Actinomycetes e. A and B

4. Ammonia volatilization from NH4+-bearing fertilizers is not favored by which of the following?
a. High pH c. High CEC
b. High Temperature d. a and b above e. b and c above

5. Soil microorganisms degrade organic residues primarily for

a. Phosphorus and ATP c. Nitrogen and energy
b. Carbon and energy d. Phosphorus and energy e. Nitrogen and phosphorus

6. The root-nodule bacteria belong to the genus

a. Clostridium c. Rhizobium
b. Azotobacter d. Agrobacterium e. None of the above

7. The anaerobic non-symbiotic nitrogen fixing bacteria belong to the genus

a. Derxia c. Azotobacter
b. Clostridium d. Bradyrhizobium e. Nitrobacter

8. Algae are considered as

a. Autotrophs c. Chemoautotrophs
b. Photoautotrophs d. Both a and b above e. None of the above

9. The source of energy for blue green algae is

a. Sunlight d. Oxidation of inorganic compounds
b. Metabolism of glucose e. None of the above
c. Organic matter decomposition

10. The predominant available form of N under flooded soil condition is

a. N03-N b. Organic-N c.NH4-N d. NO2-N e. NH2-N

11. The available form of nitrogen which predominates under upland condition is
a. Ammonium c. Nitrate
b. Nitrite d. Microbial biomass N e. Fixed N

12. The conversion of NO3 to N2 is referred to as

a. Nitrogen fixation c. Immobilization
b. Denitrification d. Volatilization e. None of the above

13. The percentage of organic N in the soil is approximately

a. 98-98% b. 80-85% c. 68-75% d. 50-60% e. 60-70%

14. Nitrogen is added to the soil system by which of the following processes?
a. Leaching c. Ammonia volatilization
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b. Nitrogen fixation d. a and b above e. b and c above

15. The conversion of organic N to inorganic or mineral N is termed as

a. Immobilization c. Mineralization
b Nitrification d. Ammonification e. None of the above

16. The conversion of N2 to NH4 is referred to as

a. Denitrification c. Nitrogen fixation
b. Nitrate reduction d. Volatilization.. e. None of the above
17. Microorganisms which do not require oxygen are called
a. Aerobes c. Obligate aerobes
b. Anaerobes d. Microaerophillic e. None of the above

18. The fixation and regeneration of CO2 in the biosphere is referred to as

a. Carbon cycle c. Respiration e. None of the above
b. CO2 evolution d. Nutrient cycle

19. The optimum temperature requirement of thermopiles is

a. Greater than 450C c. Greater than 300C
0
b. Less than 45 C d. Less than 300C e. 30-400C

20. Microorganisms which require organic compounds as sources of carbon and energy are
a. Autotrophs c. Chemoautotrophs e. None of the above
b. Heterotrophs d. Photoautotrophs

21. It refers to the entrapment of ammonium ions in-between crystal lattices of clays thus rendering
them unavailable for plant use. This process is called
a. Nitrogen fixation d. Nutrient fixation e. None of the above
b. Microbial fixation c. Ammonium fixation

22. Rhizobia are generally associated with nitrogen fixation in

a. Rice b. Peanut c. Corn d. Sorghum e. Sugarcane

23. Bacteria belonging to this genus are non-symbiotic nitrogen fixers

a. Nitrobacter c. Azotobacter
b. Aerobacter d. Arthrobacter e. Nit rosomonas

24. If a crop residue contains 60% organic carbon and 5% total nitrogen, it’s C/N ratio is
a. 10:1 b. 12:1 c. 15:1 d. 20:1 e. 25:1

25. The C/N ratio of soil microbial biomass is about

a. 5-8:1 b. 12-15:1 c. 15-20:1 d. 20-25:1 e. None of the above

26. The most abundant microorganisms found in the soil are generally the
a. Fungi c. Actinomycetes
b. Bacteria d. Algae e. Protozoa

27. The incorporation of inorganic nitrogen into microbial tissues is

a. Mineralization c. Nitrification
b. Immobilization d. Denitrification e. Ammonification

28. Which of the following microorganisms is very sensitive to potassium levels in soil and therefore
useful in diagnosing potassium deficiency?
a. Pseudomonas denitrificans d. Azotobacter chroococcum
b. Aspergillus fiavus e. Nitrobacter agilis
c. Aspergillus niger

29. A deficiency of this element will not enable a legume and its bacterial partner to perform nitrogen
fixation. This element is
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a. Boron c. Molybdenum
b. Phosphorus d. Zinc e. Magnesium

30. The group of soil microorganisms which is responsible for decomposing organic matter is the
a. Heteroptrophs c. Phototrophs
b. Autotrophs d. Chemoautotrophs e. None of the above

31. Organic materials with wide C/N ratios are not ready sources of available nitrogen because the
nitrogen that they contain is subject to
a. Nitrification c. Immobilization
b. Volatilization d. Fixation e. None of the above

32. The soil microbial population is generally highest in the

a. A horizon c. C horizon
b. B horizon d. B2 horizon e. A3 horizon

33. Chemoautotrophs are those organisms which derive their energy from
a. Sunlight d. Oxidation of inorganic substances
b. Oxidation of organic materials e. None of the above
c. Fermentation

34. For soil bacteria, growth results in an increase in the

a. Size of the individuals d. Size and number of the individuals
b. Number of the individuals e. None of the above
c. Form of the individuals

35. The most efficient organic matter decomposers under acidic soil conditions are the
a. Bacteria c. Fungi
b. Actinomycetes d. Protozoa e. Algae

36. Pesticides will be retained much longer in soils with

a. Low organic matter c. 2:1 dominant clay type
b. High moisture content d. Low pH e. 1:1 dominant clay type

37. Net mineralization of organic nitrogen in the soil will occur if the C/N ratio is less than
a. 20:1 b. 30:1 c.40:1 d. 50:1 e. 60:1

38. The initial substrate for nitrification is

a. Nitrite c. Ammonium
b. Nitrate d. Amine e. None of the above

39. The ultimate end-product of denitrification is

a. N2 b. NO c. N20 d. NH3 e. None of the above

40. A gas which can be used as an indicator of the level of microbial activity in the soil is
a. Nitrogen c. Hydrogen
b. Oxygen d. Carbon dioxide e. Methane

41. Associative nitrogen fixation is undertaken by bacteria in association with

a. Rice c. Sugar cane
b. Corn d. Pasture grasses e. All of the above

42. Frankia spp. are soil microorganisms which are responsible for the nodulation in
a. Casuarina c. EIea gnus
b. Alnus d. Coriaria e. All of the above

43. The number and activity of bacteria in the soil are affected by
a. pH b. Moisture c. Oxygen supply d. Salinity e. All of the above
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44. A type of microscope which provides a 3-dimensional view of the soil microorganisms is called
a. Light microscope d. lmmuno-fluorescent microscope
b. Scanning electron microscope e. None of the above
c. Transmission electron microscope

45. A 1:1000 soil-water dilution means that one part of soil is suspended in
a. 9 parts of sterile H20 c. 999 parts of sterile H20
b. 99 parts of sterile H20 d. 1000 parts of sterile H20 e. None of the above

46. In a legume biological nitrogen fixing system, the microsymbiont is

a. Bacteria c. Algae
b. Actinomycete d. Fungi e. None of the above

47. CO2 evolution in soil is a function of

a. Microbial population c. pH
b. Aeration d. Temperature e. All of the above

48. The amount of molecular nitrogen (N2) in the atmosphere is about

a. 88% b. 78% c. 68% d. 58% e. 48%

49. When NO3 is denitrified all the way to N2, there is a shift in the valence of N from + 5 to
a. +4 b. +3 c. +2 d. +1 e. 0

50. Which of the following bacterial genera had been known to be capable of denitrification?
a. Agrobacteiium c. Pseudomonas
b. Azospinllum d. Thiobacillus e. All of the above

Section 2. Soil Physics

1. A soil consist of the three components; namely: solid, liquid and gas
a. The solid is composed of inorganic matter and organic matter
b. The liquid is a solution with dissolved ions in it
c. The gas component is about 80% nitrogen gas (N2)
d. None of the above
e. All of the above

2. A soil consist of three components; namely: solid, liquid and gas.

a. The solid is composed of inorganic matter d. None of the above
b. The liquid is a solution with dissolved ions in it e. All of the above
c. The gas is 80% oxygen gas

3. A soil consist of three components; namely: solid, liquid and gas.

a. The solid is composed of inorganic matter arid organic matter
b. The liquid is a pure water d .None of the above
c. The gas is 80% oxygen gas e. All of the above

4. Under its natural occurrence a soil is aggregated and porous

a. An aggregate is composed of millions of individual particles
b. Water and air occupy the pores d. None of the above
c. The pores are interconnected channels to other pores e. All of the above

5. The solid particles of a soil vary in composition, size and shape.

a. The solid is composed of inorganic and organic matter
b. The solid is composed of soil separates called sand, silt and clay
c. The solids stick or cluster together to form soil aggregate
d. None of the above
e. All of the above.

6. The inorganic solid particles vary in size which are classified as soil separates.
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a. The size range of soil particle is equal to or less than 5 mm
b. Sand is medium size soil separate d. None of the above
c. Clay is the smallest or the finest soil separate e. All of the above

7. The relative distribution of soil separates in a soil mass is called soil texture.
a. Sand, silt and clay are soil separates d. None of the above
b. Soil texture changes easily with poor methods of cultivation e. All of the above
c. Soil texture is improved by adding organic fertilizer

8. Soil texture refers to the coarseness or fineness of a soil.

a. Sand is gritty c. Clay is smooth e. All of the above
b. Silt is sticky and plastic d. None of the above

9. Soil texture refers to the coarseness or fineness of a soil.

a. Sand is coarse and gritty c. Clay is sticky and plastic
b. Silt is powdery and smooth d. None of the above e. All of the above

10. Many soil properties and characteristics are affected by soil texture.
a. Sandy soil is more porous than clay soil d. None of the above
b. Loamy soil are rich in silt e. All of the above
c. Clay soil is chemically more reactive than sandy soil

11. In relation to crop production sandy soils are known to be:

a. Droughty c. Easy to drain
b. Easy to be cultivated d. None of the above e. All of the above

12. In relation to crop production clayey soils are known to be:

a. Sticky to cultivate d. None of the above
b. Fertile than sand e. All of the above
c. High water holding capacity than sand

13. Many soil properties and characteristics are affected by soil texture.
a. Clayey soils are more porous than sandy soil d. None of the above
b. Silt texture is associated to poor good physical properties e. All of the above
c. Sandy soil is chemically more reactive than day soil
14. Soil texture could be determined by:
a. ‘Feel’ method c. Hydrometer method b.
Pipette method d. None of the above e. All of the above

15. Soil texture could be determined in the laboratory by:

a. Ammonium acetate method c. Hydrometer method
b. Buoyancy method d. None of the above e. All of the above

16. The upper diameter size limit of clay particles is:

a. 2.0 mm b. 0.2 mm c. 0.02 mm d. 0.002 mm e. 0.0002 mm

17. The upper diameter size limit of silt particles is:

a. 2.0 mm b. 0.2 mm c.0.02 mm d. 0.002 mm e. 0.0002 mm

18. The upper diameter size limit of sand particles is:

a. 2.0 mm b. 0.2 mm c. 0.02 mm d. 0.002 mm e. 0.0002 mm

19. Soil textural class wherein the coarseness of sand, the smoothness feel of silt and the stickiness
of clay are manifested in almost equal proportion in a soil mass.
a. Sand c. Clay e. None of the above
b. Silt d. Loam

20. Soil texture that would be best for growing lowland rice.
a. Sandy loam c. Clay loam
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b. Silty loam d. All of the above e. None of the above

21. Characteristic feel of sand separates when rubbed in between the finger is:
a. Coarse c. Sticky when moist
b. Smooth d. All of the above e. None of the above

22. Characteristic feel of clay separates when rubbed in between the finger is:
a. Coarse c. Sticky when moist
b. Smooth d. All of the above

23. Characteristic feel of silt separates when rubbed in between the finger is:
a. Coarse c. Sticky when moist
b. Smooth d. All of the above e. None of the above

24. Many soil properties and characteristics are affected by soil structure.
a. Loam is the soil structure that most crops prefer d. None of the above
b. Dispersed clay soil possesses good soil structure e. All of the above
c. Compacted soil structure allows fast movement of air in the soil

25. Many soil properties and characteristics are affected by soil structure.
a. Crumb is the best structure that most crops prefer d. None of the above
b. Dispersed clay soil possesses poor soil structure e. All of the above
c. Poor water movement in platy soil structure

26. Which among the following is not a soil structure?

a. Loam c. Platy e. Prismatic
b. Crumb d. Sub-angular blocky

27. Soil densities and porosities are affected by soil texture and soil structure.
a. Porosity increases with increasing bulk density d. None of the above
b. Soil compaction increases bulk density e. All of the above
c. Soil aggregation increases bulk density
28. Soil densities and porosities are affected by soil texture and soil structure.
a. Porosity increases with decreasing bulk density d. None of the above
b. Soil compaction decreases bulk density e. All of the above
c. Soil aggregation improves porosity

29. Pore-size distribution affects movement and retention of water and air in the soil.
a. Macro-pores retains water d. None of the above
b. Micro-pores are important in root respiration e. All of the above
c. Micro-pores are more important than macro-pores

30. Pore-size distribution affects movement and retention of water and air in the soil.
a. Micro-pores retains water
b. Macro-pores are important in drainage and root respiration
c. Micro-pores and macro-pores are equally important to root growth
d. None of the above
e. All of the above

31. A soil with a bulk density of 1.3 g/cm3 and a particle density of 2.60g/cm3 will have a porosity of:
a. 5% b. 25% c. 50% d. 75%

32. Bulk density is a good indicator of soil degradation.

a. Bulk density does not change with poor soil cultivation practices
b. Increasing bulk density indicates deteriorating soil physical condition
c. Decreasing bulk density indicates deteriorating soil physical condition
d. None of the above
e. All of the above
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33. Particle density is a stable soil property. Most agricultural soils would have particle densities
close to this value.
a. 1.65 g/cm3 b. 2.65 g/cm3 c. 3.65 g/cm3 d. 4.65 g/cm3

34. Type of soil structure that is best for growing upland crops.
a. Massive c. Crumb e. Single-grain
b. Platy d. Loam

35. The soil structure of a compacted plow soil is:

a. Massive c. Crumb e. Single-grain
b. Platy d. Loam

36. The color of a soil indicates some chemical conditions

a. Dark or black color indicates high organic matter
b. Reddish color indicates that the soil is high in oxides of iron
c. Yellowish color indicates that the portion of lowland soil is at oxidized state
d. None of the above
e. All of the above

37. The color of a soil indicates some chemical conditions

a. Dark or black color indicates high organic matter
b. Dark or black color indicates that the soil is high in oxides of iron
c. Dark or black color indicates that the soil is at oxidized state
d. None of the above
e. All of the above

38. The color of a soil indicates some chemical conditions

a. Reddish color indicates high organic matter
b. Reddish color indicates that the soil is high in oxides of iron
c. Reddish color indicates that the soil is young
d. None of the above
e. All of the above

39. Plants depend on the water stored in the soil.

a. The upper limit of available water is saturated moisture content
b. The upper limit of available water is hygroscopic point
c. The upper limit of available water is field capacity
d. None of the above
e. All of the above

40. Plants depend on the water stored in the soil

a. The upper limit of available water is field capacity
b. The lower limit of available water is permanent wilting point
c. Available water capacity is field capacity-permanent witting point
d. None of the above
e. All of the above

41. Available water capacity is calculated as

a. Saturation minus permanent wilting point d. None of the above
b. Field capacity minus permanent wilting point e. All of the above
c. Hygroscopic point minus permanent wilting point
42. Gravitational water capacity is equal to
a. Saturated moisture minus permanent wilting point d. None of the above
b. Saturated moisture minus field capacity e. All of the above
c. Saturated moisture minus hygroscopic point

43. The moisture content of an air dry soil is known as

a. Saturation d. Hygroscopic coefficient
b. Field capacity e. Zero point
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c. Permanent wilting point

44. Movement of water in the Soil is always from:

a. Higher to lower soil moisture content d .None of the above
b. Higher to lower total potential energy e. All of the above
c. Higher to lower soil moisture tension

45. If soil moisture content is 50% field capacity is 40% and permanent wilting point is 20%, the
amount of available water in the soil is:
a. 10% b. 20% c. 30% d. None of the above e. All of the above

48. If soil moisture content is 35%, field capacity is 40% and permanent wilting point is 20%, the
amount of available water in the soil is:
a. 5% b. 10% c. 15% d. None of the above e. All of the above

47. Calculate the gravimetric moisture content of a soil sample if its fresh weight 25 gin, oven dry
weight = 20 gin.
a. 25% b. 20% c. 15% d. None of the above e. All of the above

48. Calculate the volumetric moisture content of a soil sample if its fresh weight 25 gin, oven dry
weight 20 gm and bulk density 1.2 gm/cm3.
a. 30% b. 24% c.20% d. None of the above e. All of the above

49. Soil grown to corn is best cultivated when the soil consistency is:
a. Hard b. Friable c. Plastic d. Viscous

50. Lowland rice land is prepared to have a soil consistency that is:
a. Hard b. Friable c. Plastic d. Viscous

Section 3. Soil Genesis, Composition and Development

1. Bacteria belong to this factor of soil formation.

a. Climate b. Living organisms
c. Time d. Parent material

2. Horizontal layers of soil differentiation.

a. Concretions b. Structure c. Horizons d. Hardpans

3. A square meter of land dug to a depth that nearly touches the bedrock.
a. Profile b. Parent material c. Pedon d. Aquifer

4. Mature soil have the following horizons:

a. AB b. ABC c. BC d. AC

5. Young soils have the following horizons:

a. AB b. ABC C. ABCD d. AC

6. The solum is composed of these horizons:

a. ABC b. BC c. ABCR d. AB

7. The regolith is composed of these horizons:

a. AB b. BC c. ABC d. ABCR

8. The topsoil usually refers to this horizon.

a. AB b. A c. B d. C

9. The subsoil usually refers to this horizon.

a. AB b. A c. B d. C
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10. Blocks of soil from each horizon pasted on a hard board.
a. Regolith b. Monolith c. Litolith d. Pedon

11. The government agency in charge of the survey and classification of soils in the Philippines
a. BPI b. BSWM c. NAFC d. DPWH

12. Basis for mapping the distribution of Philippine soils

a. Soil series/type b. Soil order c. Soil Family d. Great Group

13. A group of soils which developed from the same parent material and whose profile characteristics
are the same.
a. Soil Order b. Soil Series c. Soil Family d. Great Group

14. Soil profile characteristic important to a civil engineer:

a. Color b. Structure c. Texture d. Microbial population

15. Soil profile characteristic important to a biologist:

a. Roots and faunal activity signs b. Color c. Texture d. Bulk density

16. Standard reference system for soil color

a. Soil Taxonomy c. Soil survey report
b. Soil map d. Munsell color chart

17. Soil color description.

a. Hue, value, chroma b. Tint, lightness, mixture

18. Describes darkness or lightness of a soil color.

a. Hue b. Value c. Chroma d. Intensity

19. Sign of poor drainage

a. Yellowish mottles c. Reddish concretion
b. Bluish gray mottles d. Reddish orange mottles

20. Natural soil aggregates.

a. Crumbs b. Clods c. Peds d. pebbles

21. A simple test for limestone parent materials.

a. H2S04 reaction b. HCL reaction c. Brittleness d. Stickiness

22. Structure less soil:

a. Granular b. Crumb c. Prismatic d. massive/single-grained

23. Soils with no diagnostic horizons:

a. Entisols b. Mollisols c. Oxisols d. Alfisols

24. Broadest category of soil taxonomy:

a. Great Group b. Sub order c. Order d. Family

25. Soils which are predominantly montmorillonitic:

a. Vertisols b. Entisols c. Inceptisols d. Histosols

Section 4. Soil Fertility and Management

1. The Haber Bosch process for making N fertlizer.

a. N2+N2O——>NH3 c. N2+2O2——>NO3
b. N2 + 3N2——> 2NH3 d. N2 + H20——>NO3

2. The highest analysis (grade) solid N fertilizer

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a. Ammonium sulfate b. Anhydrous ammonia c. Urea d. Ammonium nitrate

3. The reaction during biological N fixation

a. N2 nitrogenase NH3
b. N2 + H2O ——> amino acid
c. N2 + H2O ——> protein
d. N2 + H2 ——> ammonium sulfate

4. The enzyme needed to transform urea to (NH 4)2CO3 in soil.

a. Carboxylase b. Anhydrase c. Urease d. Papase

5. The weak acid formed upon hydrolysis and subsequent reaction of urea in soils.
a. Acetic acid b. Carbonic add c. Uric acid d. Silicic acid

6. The other essential nutrient element present in ammonium sulfate but absent in urea.
a. Calcium b. Sulfur c. Iron d. Magnesium

7. The percent N1P2O5, and K2O in a fertilizer is:

a. Fertilizer ratio c. Fertilizer recommendation
b. Fertilizer grade d. Fertilizer brand

8. A single-element or straight fertilizer:

a. Complete fertilizer (14-14-14) b. Ammonium phosphate
c. Urea d .All of the above

9. The fertilizer nutrients that are generally applied all at planting time (basal):
a. N and P b. P and K c. N and K d. P and

10. The fertilizer nutrients which are usually split applied:

a. N and K b. P and K c. N and P d. N and S

11. The available form of nitrogen:

a. N2 b. N2O c. NH4+ d. NH3

12. Enzyme in nitrogen transformation in legumes:

a. Nitrogenase b. Dehydrogenase c. Decarboxylase d. Anhydrase

13. This ratio determines mineralization rate of organic matter

a. N/S b. C/N c. P/N d. N/K

14. Application of N fertilizer in Alkaline soils causes

a. NH, volatilization b. Nitrification c. Denitrification

15. This is an acid forming reaction of NH4,

a. Nitrification b. Denitrification
c. Ammonification d. Mineralization

16. This metal ion is usually present in toxic amounts in strongly acid soils.
a. Aluminum b. Calcium c. Potassium d. Magnesium

17. Binding of an organic compound and a metal ion.

a. Coordination b. Complexation c. Chelation d. Oxidation

18. Most micronutrients become less available at:

a. Decreasing soil pH c. Neutral pH
b. Increasing pH d. Strongly acid pH

19. When nutrients are immobile, deficiency first shows up in:

a. Youngest leaves b. Oldest leaves
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c. Senescent leaves d. Stems

20. Deficiency of these elements causes chlorosis.

a. N and Ca b. P and Ca c. N and S d. Fe and Cl

21. Deficiency of sulfur first shows up as chlorosis of:

a. Oldest leaves b. Youngest leaves c. Middle leaves d. Stems

22. The suitable fertilizer for an alkaline N deficient soil.

a. Anhydrous NH3 c. Calcium nitrate
b. Urea d. Ammonium sulfate

23. The appropriate N fertilizer for a sulfur deficient soil.

a. Urea b. Ammonium nitrate
c. Potassium nitrate d. Ammonium sulfate

24. Application of fertilizer at planting.

a. Topdressing b. Foliar c. Band d. Basal

25. Application of fertilizer after plant emergence.

a. Basal b. Topdressing c. Foliar d. deep placement

26. Major agent of soil erosion in the Philippines.

a. Wind b. Water/rainfall c. Animal traffic d. Wind and water

27. This conservation practice dissipates raindrop impact.

a. Terracing b. Contour plowing c. Mulching d. Grassed waterways

28. The first stage in soil erosion is:

a. Soil particle detachment b. Entrainment c. Deposition d. Water infiltration

29. Soil conservation practice where hedges are grown along the contour lines
a. Bench terracing c. Alley cropping
b. Cover cropping d. Farm pond construction

30. Soil loss through erosion can be calculated by the:

a. Mitscherlich equation c. Einstein’s relativity equation
b. Universal soil loss equation d. Trigonometric equation

Section 5. Soil Genesis and Classification

1. A square meter of land dug to a depth that nearly touches the bedrock
a. Horizon b. Pit c. Epipedon d. Pedon

2. Smallest volume of soil that can be considered a soil individual/body

a. Pedon b. Horizon c. Ped d. Aggregate

3. One side of a pedon

a. Epipedon b. Horizon c. Profile d. All of the above

4. Basic properties described in a soil profile

a. Texture, bulk density, consistency c. Color, texture, stoniness, structure
b. CEC, OM (%) content. %BS, BD d. Plasticity, structure

5. Describes the darkness or lightness of a color

a. Value b. Hue c. Ultra d. Spectra

6. Describes the strength of color

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a. Hue b. Value c. Ultra d. Chroma

7. Soil texture can be described effectively in the field through

a. Touch method b. Pinch method c. Hydrometer d. Feel and roll method

8. Medium silts refer to:

a. Fine silty soils b. Coarse silty soils
c. Loamy silty soils d. None of the above

9. Soil particles larger than 2mm in size.

a. Sand b. Rockiness c. Stones d. Gravelly

10. Refers to the abundance of stones:

a. Happiness b. Rockiness c. Stoniness d. Gravelly

11. Stone shape is determined by these properties:

a. Roundness, sphericity b. Abundance c. Angle d. Orientation

12. Soil structure is best observed at this soil horizon:

a. Topsoil b. Parent material c. Subsoil d. Bedrock

13. Irregular polyhedra of roughly equal dimensions, the surfaces of it which fit into neighboring
peds.
a. Blocky structure b. Angular structure c. Prismatic structure d. Platy structure

14. Irregular spheres or polyhedra, which do not fit the faces of neighboring aggregates.
a. Granular b. Blocky c. Columnar d. Platy

15. Refers to the feel of the soil and how it behaves when manipulated.
a. Consistency b. Texture c. Wetness d. Plasticity

16. A land evaluation for its ability to grow crops for a particular soil
a. Land capability b. Crop suitability
c. Crop productivity d. Sustainability

17. A system of soil classification used in the Philippines based on the concept of a precisely defined
selected horizon for classifying soil profiles
a. Soil morphology b. Soil taxonomy
c. 5th approximation d. Soil survey

18. Soils with no diagnostic horizons

a. Entisols b. lnceptisol c. Alfisol d. Vertisol

19. Soils with mollic epipedon and base saturation percentage (BSP>50%)
a. Oxisol b. Histosol c. MoIlisol d Spodosol

20. Soil with >30% clay to 50 cm, cracks > 1 cm wide at 50 cm, have gilgai. Slicken slides, and
wedge-shaped peds
a. Vertisols b.Mollisol c. lnceptisol d. Espasol

21. Soils with a warm temperature regime and an argillic horizon (or fragipan with clay skins> 1 mm
thick) and BSP <35%
a. Entisol b. lnceptisol c. Mollisol d. Oxisol

22. The most detailed category of soil taxonomy

a. Soil family b. Soil series c. Great group d. Suborder

23. The scale of presentation of provincial soil survey reports

a. Semi-detailed b. Exploratory c. Reconnaissance d. Detailed
 13
24. Land having no significant limitations to sustained application of a given use, or only minor
limitation that will not significantly reduce productivity or benefits that will not raise inputs above
an acceptable level
a. Highly suitable b. Marginally suited
c. Moderately suited d. None of the above

25. Land having limitations which, in aggregate are severe for sustained application of a given use
and so reduce productivity or benefits, or increase the required Inputs, that this expenditure will
only be marginally justified
a. Highly suitable b. Marginally suitable
c. Moderately suited d. None of the above

Section 6. Chemical Properties of Soil

1. Colloids range in particle size from:

a. 0.2-1 mm b. 0.2-1 micron c. 0.2-1 cm

2. Organic colloids are represented by:

a. Hydrous Fe and Al oxides b. Silicate clay minerals c.Humus

3. Reactivity of soil colloids is due to their:

a. High specific area b. Nature and composition c. Crystallinity

4. This clay mineral is a 2:1 expanding type:

a. Illite b. Montmorillonite c. Kaolinite

5. Montmorillonite sheets are bounded by:

a. Weak O2 - O2 linkage b. Strong K linkage c. Strong H bond

6. Isomorphous substitution of cations gives day minerals:

a. Permanent charge b. pH-dependent charge c. Positive charge

7. Dissociation of H+ ions from carboxyl (-COOH) and/or phenolic functional groups give this colloid
negative charges.
a. Humus b. Montmorillonite c. Allophane

8. A soil with pH of 6.0 has a H+ ion concentration of:

a. 1 x 106 M/1 b. 0.000006 M c. 0.000001 M

9. The optimum or ideal soil pH for growing of most crops is:

a. pH 6.0 b. pH 6.5 c. pH 7.5

10. These elements become more soluble or available at soil pH <4.0.

a. Fe,Al,Cu,Zn b. Ca,Mg,K c. N,P,K

11. At low pH, available P may become precipitated into:

a. Ca-hydroxyapatite b. Al-hydroxyphosphate c. Orthophosphoric acid

12. These cations are considered as acid.

a. H+ and K+ b . H+ and Ca++ c. H+ and Al+++

13. Nitrification causes soil acidity due to the production of:

a. Al ions b.H+ ions c. NH4OH

14. Active acidity is due to H+ in:

a. Soil solution b. Colloid adsorption sites c. Crystal structure
 14
15. Soils with high CEC have
a. High buffering capacity b. Low buffering capacity c. No buffering capacity

16. Soils with high buffering capacity are generally those which.
a. Are sandy or coarse b. Have low organic matter content
c. Have high organic matter and/or clay content
17. Soils that usually need to be limed are those with:
a. pH less than 5.0 b. pH greater than 5.0 c. pH 7.0

18. This material is riot considered lime:

a. CaCO3 b. CaSO4.2H2O c. CaO

19. This liming material has a RNP or RNV of 100%.

a. Dolomite, CaMg (CO3)2 b. Burned lime, CaO c. Calcium carbonate, CaCO 3

20. Besides neutralizing soil acidity lime like CaCO3 may also:
a. improve soil structure b. Improve soil texture c. Decrease CEC

21. Sodic soils have high exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) and are
a. Well aggregated b. Highly fertile c. Highly dispersed

22. The high ESP of soils may be reduced by adding:

a. Lime b. Gypsum c. Fertilizers

23. A 100-gm soil sample contains the following exchangeable cations:

Cation me/100 gm
Ca++ 20
Mg++ 10
K+ 2
Na+ 4
H+ 3
Al+++ 1

The CEC of the soil is:

a.36 me/100gm b. 45me/100gm c. 40 me/100gm

24. The % BS saturation o the soil in no. 23 is:

a. 92.5% b. 90% c. 85%

25. The exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) of the soil is:

a. 10% b. 15% c. 12%
 15

Answer to Questions in Soil Science

(UPLB Reviewer)

Section 1. Soil Microbiology

1. C 11. C 21. C 31. C 41. E

2. C 12. B 22. B 32. A 42. E
3. A 13. A 23. C 33. D 43. E
4. C 14. B 24. B 34. B 44. B
5. B 15. C 25. A 35. C 45. C
6. C 16. C 26. B 36. C 46. A
7. B 17. B 27. B 37. A 47. E
8. B 18. A 28. C 38. C 48. B
9. A 19. A 29. C 39. A 49. E
10. C 20. B 30. A 40. D 50. E

Section 2. Soil Physics

1. E 11. E 21. A 31. C 41. B

2. B 12. E 22. C 32. B 42. B
3. A 13. A 23. B 33. B 43. D
4. E 14. E 24. D 34. C 44. B
5. E 15. C 25. E 35. A 45. B
6. C 16. D 26. A 36. E 46. C
7. A 17. C 27. B 37. A 47. A
8. A 18. A 28. C 38. B 48. B
9. E 19. D 29. D 39. C 49. B
10. C 20. C 30. E 40. E 50. D

Section 3. Soil Genesis, Composition and Development

1. B 11. B 21. B
2. C 12. A 22. D
3. C 13. B 23. A
4. B 14. C 24. C
5. D 15, A 25. A
6. D 16. D
7. C 17. A
8. B 18. B
9. C 19. B
10. B 20. C

Section 4. Soil Fertility and Management Section 5. Soil Genesis and Classification

1. B 11. C 21. B 1. D 11. A 21. D

2. C 12. A 22. D 2. C 12. A 22. B
3. A 13. B 23. D 3. C 13. C 23. C
4. C 14, A 24. D 4. C 14. A 24. A
5. B 15. A 25. B 5. C 15. A 25. B
6. B 16. A 26. B 6. B 16. B
 16
7. B 17. C 27. C 7. D 17. B
8. C 18. B 28. A 8. C 18. A
9. B 19. A 29. C 9. C 19. C
10. A 20. C 30. B 10. C 20. A

Section 6. Chemical Properties of Soils

1. B 11. B 21. C 7. A 17. A

2. C 12. C 22. B 8. C 18. B
3. A 13. B 23. C 9. 8 19. C
4. B 14. A 24. B 10. A 20. A
5. A 15. A 25. A
6. A 16. C