Plant Science
Unit 5 Review – Soil Science and Fertility
5.1
Define Terms
Match the following terms with their BEST definition listed below:
B. free water A.
Capillary water
D. hygroscopic water E. subsoil
C. gravitational water
F. topsoil
G. soil
_____ 1. The outer layer of the earth’s surface that consists of mineral matter, organic matter, air, water, and living organisms.
_____2. Water held between soil particles against the force of gravity.
_____3. Water pulled downward in the soil by gravity.
_____4. The layer of soil found on the surface.
_____5. The layer of soil below the topsoil.
_____6. Water that drains out of the soil after it has been wetted.
_____7. Water held tightly to soil particles and is unavailable for plant use.

Match the following terms with their BEST definition listed below:
B. lime A.
Clay
D. sand
G. soil structure
E. silt
H. soil texture
C. organic matter
F. soil profile
I. mineral matter
_____ 8. The largest of the soil particles that creates the largest pore spaces.
_____9. The smallest of inorganic particles in the soil.
_____10. The way in which aggregates or clusters are arranged in the soil.
_____11. Decayed or partially decayed remains of plants and animals found in the soil.
_____12. Inorganic material originating from rock.
_____13. A substance that is added to soil, used to raise pH.
_____14. A cross section of the soil, usually 3 to 4 feet deep.
_____15. The amount of sand, silt, and clay in soil.
_____16. The middle sized of the soil particles that has good aeration and good ease of working.

Match the following terms with their BEST definition listed below:
A.
elements B. fertilizer
D. irrigation
G. pH
J. soil sterilization
E. macronutrient
H. pore space
K. ped
_____ 17. Percentage of nutrients in fertilizer.
C. fertilizer analysis
F. micronutrient
I. soil fertility
L. fertigation
_____18. Space between soil particles.
_____19. The essential elements needed by plants in large quantities.
_____20. The most basic form of matter which maintains the characteristics of the substance.
_____21. The practice of treating the soil by fumigation, chemicals, or heat to destroy soil borne plant pests.
_____22. The application of soluble fertilizers with irrigation water.
_____23. The ability of soil to provide nutrients for plant growth.
_____24. The artificial application of water to soils for the purpose of increasing plant production.
_____25. Any material added to the soil to provide nutrients.
_____26. A cluster of soil particles.
_____27. The measure of acidity or alkalinity of the soil.
_____28. The nutrients needed by plants in small amounts.

5.2
Differentiate between soil structure and soil texture
29. Soil structure is determined by the ___________________ of sand, silt, and clay particles in the soil.
30. Soil texture is determined by the ___________________ of sand, silt, and clay particles in the soil.
31. An average soil consists of:
A. _____% mineral matter
B. _____% organic matter
C. _____% air
D. _____% water
5.3 Identify the three soil particles
32. Rank the three soil particles in size from smallest to largest:
A. ________________________________
B. ________________________________
C. ________________________________
33. Identify two characteristics of clay soil particles:
34. Identify two characteristics of silt soil particles:
35. Identify two characteristics of sand soil particles:

5.4
Discuss the meaning, use, and importance of soil sterilization
36. Briefly explain the purpose of soil sterilization.
37. Identify one example of a real-world situation where soil sterilization might be necessary.
38. Identify at least three methods of soil sterilization:
A.
___________________________
B.
___________________________
C.
___________________________

5.5
Identify the nutrients necessary for plant growth and distinguish between the macronutrients and micronutrients
39. Identify the three Primary Macronutrients:
A. ____________________________
B. ____________________________
C. ____________________________
40. Identify the three Secondary Macronutrients:
A. ____________________________
B. ____________________________
C. ____________________________
41. Identify the seven Micronutrients:
A. ____________________________
B. ____________________________
C. ____________________________
D. ____________________________
E. ____________________________
F. ____________________________
G. ___________________________
42. Identify the three Non-fertilizer elements:
A. ___________________________
B. ___________________________
C. ___________________________

5.6
List the three types of water found in the soil
43. Briefly explain what capillary water is:
44. Briefly explain what gravitational water is:
45. Briefly explain what hygroscopic water is:
5.7
Describe the use of irrigation in agronomic and horticultural crop production
46. For each type of irrigation system listed below, give a brief description of the process used:
A.
Drip irrigation:
B.
Flood irrigation:
C.
Furrow irrigation:
D.
Sprinkler irrigation:
E.
Fertigation:
5.8
Explain fertilizer analysis
47. Identify at least one reason why fertilizer analysis is important.
48. Identify the three macronutrients that are always listed on a fertilizer label:
_____________________ ________________________ _______________________

5.9
Explain the meaning and importance of soil pH
49. Briefly explain why soil pH is important to plant growth:
50. For each of the following soil pH readings, give a brief description of that soil:
A. soil pH of 2:
B.
Soil pH of 6:
C.
Soil pH of 13: