Question 1

The P factor in the Universal soil-loss equation is concerned with all but one of the following:

Accepted Answer

The P factor in the Universal soil-loss equation is concerned with rainfall intensity and distribution, and not the conservation practices listed. Contour tillage, strip-cropping, terraces, and vegetative covers all affect the erosion process and are addressed by other factors in the equation.

Question 2

On which of the land use capability classes is suggested use restricted to non-production purposes, only wildlife and recreational purposes being appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Land use capability class VIII is classified as unsuitable for cultivation or any other form of production due to its poor soil quality. Therefore, non-production purposes such as wildlife and recreation are the only appropriate uses for this class.

Question 3

The R factor of the Universal soil-loss equation is concerned with _____.

Accepted Answer

The R factor in the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) represents rainfall and runoff, which are climate-related factors influencing soil erosion.

Question 4

Wind erosion is generally not affected by _____.

Accepted Answer

Wind erosion is not affected by soil pH.

Question 5

The revised universal soil-loss equation (RUSLE) differs from USLE in all ways but one of the following.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The revised universal soil-loss equation (RUSLE) differs...

Question 6

About what percentage of the total non-federal government owned rural lands is considered suitable for cultivation according to USDA land use capability classes (if appropriate management practices are employed)?

Accepted Answer

About 55% of the total non-federal government owned rural lands is considered suitable for cultivation according to USDA land use capability classes, if appropriate management practices are employed.

Question 7

To be classified as a conservation tillage practice, a system must leave at least what portion of the soil surface covered with plant residues?

Accepted Answer

According to the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, a conservation tillage practice must leave at least 30% of the soil surface covered with plant residues to be considered effective in reducing soil erosion and improving soil health. Choices A, B, D, and E are incorrect because they do not meet this requirement.

Question 8

Which of the USDA land use capability classes (LUC) is most suitable for the production of row crops?

Accepted Answer

Class I lands are the most suitable for the production of row crops because they have the fewest limitations, requiring the least amount of management and conservation practices.

Question 9

Conservation tillage systems are said to have all of the following advantages but one over conventional tillage systems

Accepted Answer

The answer of Conservation tillage systems are said to have...

Question 10

A soil has been managed using a no-till system for 10 years following many years of conventional tillage operations.Which of the following changes in surface soil properties would you expect due to the no-till management system?

Accepted Answer

No-till systems are known to increase the organic matter content of soil, as the absence of tillage can result in greater residue accumulation and reduced decomposition rates. Other benefits of no-till include improved soil structure, increased water infiltration, and reduced erosion. However, the earthworm population may also decline initially in the absence of tillage disturbance, and soil pH and aggregate stability may not necessarily be influenced by the no-till management system. Bulk density may decrease in the surface layer due to the accumulation of organic matter, but this is not always the case.

Question 11

You have been asked to produce continuous corn on five different soils using both no-till and conventional management systems.Yields on the no-till and conventional-till systems are about the same on all but one of the soils.In which of the following suborders would the poor-performing soil most likely be classified?

Accepted Answer

Borolls are characterized by a clayey subsoil layer that can cause poor drainage and compacted soils, leading to reduced crop yields in some cases. Therefore, the poor-performing soil is most likely to be classified as Borolls.

Question 12

In explaining erosion processes to a friend, which of the following would you say about accelerated erosion?

Accepted Answer

Accelerated erosion is significantly influenced by the splash effect of raindrops on bare soil, which can dislodge soil particles and increase erosion rates. This contrasts with natural geological erosion processes, which are typically slower and less influenced by human activities.

Question 13

Which of the following statements is true?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following statements is true?
...

Question 14

In one field trial comparing no-till and conventional tillage, soil samples taken after 15 years without liming revealed that the pH of the upper 15 cm was lower on the no-till plot than on the conventional plot.Which of the following most likely accounts for this difference?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In one field trial comparing no-till and...

Question 15

The U.S.Department of Agriculture has developed soil-loss tolerance limits (T values) for different soils.Which of the following is the highest T value assigned for most soils in this country (Mg/ha)?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The U.S.Department of Agriculture has developed soil-loss...

Question 16

The universal soil-loss equation (USLE) suggests that soil erosion loss is a product of all but one of the following factors:

Accepted Answer

The factors in the USLE are precipitation, soil erodibility, topography, vegetation cover, and land management practices. Soil drainage is not included in the equation.

Question 17

If you want to maximize the quantity of vegetative cover on soil which of the following tillage practices would you use?

Accepted Answer

No-tillage is the best choice for maximizing the quantity of vegetative cover on soil because it minimizes soil disturbance and helps retain organic matter that is crucial for soil health. Conventional moldboard plow and ridge tillage involve significant soil disturbance, whereas stubble mulch and strip till involve some soil disturbance.

Question 18

"Living" terraces involving rows of deep rooted grasses planted on the contour would be considered as contributing to which factor in the Universal soil-loss equation?

Accepted Answer

The "living" terraces, which involve planting rows of deep-rooted grasses on the contour, contribute to the P factor in the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE). The P factor represents the support practice factor, which includes practices that reduce the amount of erosion under specific conditions, such as contour farming, strip cropping, terracing, and cover crops.

Question 19

Which of the following statements about soil erosion is not true?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following statements about soil...

Question 20

Wind erosion accounts for about what percent of the total soil erosion losses in the United States?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Wind erosion accounts for about what percent...

Quiz 17: Soil Erosion and Its Control