Title: Evaluate the physical and chemical properties of soil.
Course: Agricultural Production Technology (18301-I) > Section: Using Soil Science in Agricultural Production

Evaluation should include the description of

- soil texture and its importance, using the soil triangle and mechanical analysis and/or the ribbon or feel test
  - proportion of sand, silt, and clay
  - water-holding capacity and aeration
  - effect of particle size
  - specific surface area
  - soil pores

- soil permeability and related properties
- soil color
- soil structure and formation
- soil consistency, compaction, and tilth
- soil bulk density
- cation exchange capacity (CEC)
- organic matter
- carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C:N).

Process/Skill Questions:

- What are the soil particles/separates, from smallest to largest?
- What is a soil survey?
- What is soil classification? Why is it important to classify soil? What are the USDA’s six levels of soil classes? What are the twelve soil orders?
- What are the land capability classes and why are they important?
- How can soil color be utilized as an indicator of soil conditions?
- What is the Munsell system?
- What are soil aggregates, peds, and clods and how do they affect soil structure, function, and fertility?
- Why do soils with a pH below 6 result in an increase in aluminum?
- Why is this information important?
- How is a soil triangle used?
- How is the ribbon method used?
- What is the purpose of determining soil texture and soil properties?
- How does soil texture affect its fertility?