2003 FFA Soils Exam

Team_____________________________
State FFA Agronomy CDE – Spring 2003
Soils
15 minutes
100 points

Part I – Soil Texture [40 pts]

1. [30 points, 6 pts each] Observe the 5 soil samples and identify each texture as one of the following:

Clay loam Silt loam Silty clay loam Coarse sandy loam
Sand Sandy loam Silt
Sandy clay Sandy clay loam Silty clay

a. _______________
b. _______________
c. _______________
d. _______________
e. _______________

2. [5 pts] Using the textural triangle (figure 1), find the textural class of the following soil sample (Circle the correct answer)

Textural Triangle (figure 1)

32% sand, 32% silt, 36% clay

a. sandy loam
b. silt loam
c. clay loam
d. loam
e. none of the above

4. [3 pts] Clays are less than ______ millimeters in diameter. (Fill in the blank)

Part II – Soil Profile/Structure [25 pts]

(Multiple choice – circle the correct answer)

(Use figure 2)

5. [5 pts] Which of the following gives the correct sequence of designations for the soil profile shown at the right?

a. O, A, E, C
b. O, A, B, R
c. A, E, B, C
d. A, B, C, R
e. A, E, C, R

6. [5 pts] What kind of soil structure would you expect to see in the horizon of clay accumulation?

a. granular
b. platy
c. prismatic
d. massive
e. single grain

7. [5 pts] A ________ soil structure is dominated by small rounded peds, and is common on soil surfaces.
a. granular
b. platy
c. prismatic
d. massive
e. single grain

8. [5 pts] The first structure type to develop in a soil is usually
a. prismatic
b. blocky
c. rocky
d. platy

9. [5 pts] Large particles have more surface area per gram weight than do small particles.
a. true
b. false
c. particle size has nothing to do with surface area

Part III. Land Capability Classification [15 pts]

10. [5pts] In the USDA Land Capability Classification System, which of the following are considered suitable for only grazing, or hay production (and not considered suitable for cultivation)?
a. I-III
b. III-VIII
c. III
d. VII
e. VIII

11. [5 pts] In the USDA Land Capability Classification System, subclass “e” stands for ______
a. soils with an erosion hazard
b. soils with excessive wetness
c. soils with properties unfavorable to the rooting zone
d. soils with climatic limitations

12. [5 pts] Which land capability class designates land with problems that are impractical to correct, such as boulders or wetness, so the land should be used for pasture, woodland, or wildlife habitat?
a. V
b. VII
c. III
d. none of the above

Part IV - Soil Survey Maps [20 points]
The Pierce County Soil Survey is provided to answer some of these questions

Use figure 3

13. [5pts] Provide the (PLS) legal description of “A” in the diagram.

__________________________

14. [5pts] What is the Township and Range designation for the city of Puyallup, WA?

______________________

15. [5pts] What is the map symbol for the Sultan silt loam?

______________________

16. [5pts] What is the available water capacity of the surface horizon of the Sultan silt loam?

a. 0.11-0.13
b. 0.19-0.21
c. 2.0-6.0
d. low