41.1. Types and Properties of Soil

Try these first

1. 1.

   What does soil texture refer to?

   Hint

   Think about the sizes of the particles.

2. 2.

   What is bulk density?

   Hint

   Remember it includes air spaces!

3. 3.

   What does high porosity in soil indicate?

   • High water retention
   • Low water retention
   • No water retention

   Hint

   Think about how pores hold water.

4. 4.

   Is particle density generally higher than bulk density?

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider what each density measures.

5. 5.

   A soil sample has a bulk density of 1.4 g/cm³ and a particle density of 2.65 g/cm³. Calculate the porosity of this soil.

   Hint

   Remember the definition of porosity in relation to densities!

6. 6.

   A farmer notices that water quickly pools on the surface of a field. What soil type is likely present, and how should the farmer adjust irrigation?

   Hint

   Think about the properties of clay compared to sand.