Envirothon Soil Sample Test

If a soil has 28% clay & 23% sand, what texture is it?

Name 5 components of the rangeland soil-food web.

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Answer explanation

Plants

Bacteria

Fungi

Nematodes

Arthropods

Protozoa

Grazing Animals

Small Animals

Higher Predators

Song Birds

Humans

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Specify the difference between a biological crust and a physical or chemical crust.

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Answer explanation

Biological Crust= made of living organisms & their byproducts

Physical/Chemical Crust= made from inorganic features such as salt

Sage brush is a mycorrhizal-obligate. What 2 nutrients do the mycorrhizae assist in the uptake?

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Answer explanation

Nitrogen

Phosphorus

A biological soil crust is an indicator of good rangeland health. Name 4 functions that biological crusts perform.

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Answer explanation

-Stabilize soil

-Increase carbon absorption

-Help soil retain moisture

-Help native plants germinate

-Keep invasive species from establishing

-Increased water filtration

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

Name the 4 soil health principles.

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Answer explanation

-Keep soil covered

-Keep a live root in the soil year round

-Increase plant diversity

-Minimize disturbance

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

Name the 5 soil forming factors.

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Answer explanation

-Climate

-Topography

-Parent Material

-Plant/Animal

-Time

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

What are 3 indications of soil compaction?

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Answer explanation

-Increased bulk density

-Platy structure

-Poor water infiltration

-Increased erosion

-Poor plant growth

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Name 3 effects that overstocking rangeland for extended periods of time would have on the soil?

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Answer explanation

-Increased compaction

-Decrease biotic crust

-Increased erosion

-Decreased water infiltration

-Decreased organic matter

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

If range or Ag land has a history of poor management (i.e. overstocking, over tilling, ect.), resulting in soil health degradation & substantial soil loss due to erosion, how can this trend be reversed? Name 4 ways to regain a properly functioning soil & improve soil health.

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Answer explanation

-Prevent further erosion

--Plantings & Conservation

-Increase Plant Diversity

--Seeding & Control Weeds

-Add Organic Matter to System

--Cover Crops & Managed Grazing

-Break Up Compaction

--Cover Crops, Disking, Planting

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1