AGRICULTURE LICENSURE EXAM REVIEWER

SOIL SCIENCE EXAM

Set 1
1. The soil order of organic soils a. Histosols b. Entisols c. Andisols d. Mollisols
2. Soil particles whose size is less than 1 micron a. Soil colloids b. Sand c. Silt d. Organic matter
3. The original source of most organic matter in soil is a. Plant residues
b. Bodies of dead animals and insects c. Soil inhabiting microorganisms d. Rocks
4. The orderly arrangement of atoms in the clay crystalline structure
a. Lattice structure b. Layered structure c. Octahedron d. Tetrahedron
5. The process whereby ions absorbed on the surface of soil colloids are exchanged for ions in the soil
solution. a. Anion exchange b. Cation exchange c. Ion exchange
d. Isomorphous substitution
6. Compute the base saturation of a soil with a CEC of 100me/100gm and whose exchange sites are
occupied by 20 me/100gm of basic cations. a. 20% b. 25% c. 60% d. 80%
7. A civil engineer is a a. Edaphologist b. Pedologist c. Petrologist d. Anthrophologist
8. The parent material correspond to horizon a. AB b. C c. D d. ABCD
9. The mineral supplying P is a. Feldspar b. Apetite c. Talc d. Pyrite
10. The hardest mineral is: a. Diamond b. Talc c. Quartz d. Apatite
11. The major form of nitrogen in the soil a. Elemental b. Inorganic c. Organic d. Available
12. The soil profile is found in the a. Core b. Mantle c. Crust d. Moho layer
13. The microorganisms responsible for the conversion of nitrite to nitrate.
a. Azotobacter b. Mycorrhizae c. Nitrobacter d. Nirosomas
14. The basic elements lost in weathering are;
a. Fe, Al b. Ca, Mg c. Zn, Mn d. C, H
15. One of the most variable soil components is a. Mineral water b. Organic matter
c. Soil water d. Sand
16. The dark color of igneous rock is usually caused by: a. Quartz b. Feldspar
c. Calcite d. Ferromagnesium minerals
17. The loss of nitrogen into the atmosphere in the form of ammonia
a. Ammonification b. Denitrification c. Nitrification d. Volatilization
18. The physical state of the soil as relates to plant growth is known as soil
a. Texture b. Consistency c. Tilth d. Structure
19. It is considered as one of the cause of the causes of soil acidity
a. Crop rotation b. Irrigation c. Leaching of bases d. Liming
20. The entry of surface applied water into soil is known as:
a. Infiltration b. Percolation c. Seepage d. Erosion
21. It is also known as white alkali soil
a. Alkaline b. Saline c. Saline-sodic d. Sodic
22. This ion is absorbed with the least force to soil particles a. Na b. Ca c. H d. Al
23. The lime produced by hydrating Calcium oxide a. CaCO3 b. CaO
c. CaMg (CO3)2 d. Ca (OH2)
24. The hydraulic pressure of water held in the soil by capillary forces of attraction is
a. Zero b. Positive c. Negative d. 10,000
25. The element in the soil that reacts with the liming material during the process of neutralization
a. Hydrogen b. Magnesium c. Potassium d. Sodium
26. Where a complete cloud cover is present, the component of solar radiation that is maximum intensity
at ground level is a. Light b. Infrared c. Ultraviolet d. Far red
27. The group of soil microorganisms, which have the ability to photosynthesize
a. Algae b. Fungi c. Nematodes d. Protozoa
28. The cation exchange capacity of a soil is a measure of
a. The force of bonding between the soil and exchangeable cations
b. The negative charge of the soil neutralized by easily replaceable cations
c. The speed, with which ions added to the soil solution become absorbed on soil particle surfaces
d. Acidity
29. These are produced by soil organisms, which also allow them to use some toxins in the soil as food
a. Antibiotics b. Energy c. Enzymes d. Humus
30. In illuvial horizon in a soil is designated by the symbol a. A1 b. A2 c. B2 d. O2
31. The stable fraction of soil organic matter that remains after decomposition
a. Carbohydrates b. Carbon c. Humus d. Organic
32. During the dry season plant roots are naturally supplied with water through
a. Infiltration b. Capillary c. Percolation d. Leaching
33. A method of soil fertility evaluation whereby nutrients are known before a crop is planted
a. Biological test b. Plant analysis c. Soil test d. Nutrient deficiency symptoms
34. Which of the following has the highest Ph dependent negative charges?
a. OM b. illite c. Montmorillonite d. Kaolinite
35. An incomplete fertilizer materials contain:
a. N, P and K b. N only c. K only d. N and P
36. The dominant basic cation in agricultural soil is a. Na b. K c. Mg d. Ca
37. At the same level of OM, which will have the highest water holding capacity?
a. Loamy sand b. Clay loam c. Clay d. Sandy loam
38. A fertilizer recommendation of 90-60-60 can be satisfied by the application of
a. 1 bag 45-0-0 and 8 bags 14-14-14/hectare
b. 5 bags 20-0-0, 6 bags 0-20-0 and 2 bags 0-0-60/hectare
c. 3 bags 20-0-0 and 8 bags 15-15-15/ha
d. 4 bags 45-0-0, 6 bags 0-18-0 and 2 bags 0-0-60/ha
39. This is used in determining soil color a. Color wheel b. LCC c. Munsell colorchart d. Moh’s sclale
40. It is one of the examples of carbonates of lime a. Calcite b. Calcium oxide
c. Gypsum d. Magnesium hydroxide
41. This microelement is a component of a protein and chlorophyll and is the most limiting element in crop
production except legumes a. Nitrogen b. Phosphorus c. Potassium d. Calcium
42. It is an inorganic fertilizer material, which is also a source of sulfur
a. Ammonium phosphate b. Muriate of potash c. Gypsum d. Urea
43. The macronutrient is a metal component of chlorophyll and is deficient in acid upland soil
a. Nitrogen b. Calcium c. Magnesium d. Copper
44. The most important step in soil chemical test. a. Sample drying b. Reagent preparation
c. Sieving d. Soil sampling
45. This micronutrient is needed in nitrogen fixation by leguminous plants and is usually deficient in acid
upland soil a. Zinc b. Molybdenum c. Iron d. Manganese
46. This is not one of the requirements for the process of nitrification
a. Aerobic condition b. Ammonium ions c. Nitrate ions d. Organisms
47. The most dominant soil microflora are a. Insects b. Bacteria c. Algae d. Fungi
48. One of the following is an organic source of nitrogen
a. Ammonium nitrate b. Ammonium phosphate c. Ammonium phosphate d. Urea
49. The soil microflora with the highest biomass are a. Bacteria b. Actinomycetes
c. Algae d. Fungi
50. The phosphate fertilizer is manufactured by the reaction of the appetite with sulfuric acid and water.
a. Ammonium phosphate b. Complete c. Ordinary superphosphate d. Triple superphosphate
51. This N is an acidifying process a. Denitrification b. Nitrogen fixation
c. Nitrification d. Volatilization
52. A localized fertilizer placement whereby materials are placed along the side of the growing crop’s
rows at the time most satisfactory to the crop.
a. Banding b. Basal c. Sidedressing d. Topdressing
53. Microorganisms that are most active in the decaying of organic substances in soils are:
a. Autotrops b. Aerobes c. Anaerobes d. Phototrophs
54. The process of nutrient movement from the soil to roots which is largely dependent to root growth.
a. Absorption b. Diffusion c. Mass flow d. Root interception
55. Once a soil has been placed under cultivation, its organic matter content usually
a. Increases b. Decreases c. Remains relatively unchanged d. All of the above
56. It states that the yield of the plant is regulated by nutrient present in the lowest amount relative to its
optimum requirements a. Mineral theory b. Law of minimum c. Humus theory d. Stoke’s law
57. Nitrogen is the most limiting element in crop production except for legumes. The available form of
nitrogen is a. Organic matter b. Nitrate c. Ammonium d. Both A and C
58. The capacity of the soil to supply nutrients element in right amount and correct proportion
a. Availability b. Soil fertility c. Soil productivity d. Rate of reproduction
59. A soil chemical property, which largely control nutrient availability and microbial activities
a. Buffering capacity b. Cation exchange capacity c. Soil Ph d. Soil conductivity
60. Nutrient deficiency symptom is referred to as the language of the crop. What is the term used to
describe general yellowing of leaves as a result of deficiency of some nutrient element?
a. Necrotic b. Chlorosis c. Plasmolysis d. Defective
61. Alkali soils with Ph less than 8.5 and an electrical conductivity equal to or greater 4mmhos/cm
a. Alkaline b. Saline c. Saline sodic d. Sodic
62. Deficiency indicates low level of nutrient elements while this term indicates excessive level nutrient
elements in the plants or soil a. Sufficiency b. Toxicity c. Hidden hunger d. Poverty adjustment
63. A problem soil usually found low-lying areas, mining area characterized by excessive amount of
heavy metals. a. Mine-tailing affected soil b. Peat c. Saline d. Saline-sodic
64. The nutrient element in organic matter and minerals are considered unavailable. The most available
form of nutrient element are: a. Soil solution b. Exchangeable c. Fixed d. Occluded
65. The most accurate method of assessing soil fertility a. Nutrient deficiency symptom
b. Field experiment c. Plant analysis d. Soil analysis
66. Continuous flooding such in waterlogged lowland rice soils causes reduction of soils, which decreases
the availability of these essential elements.
a. N, P, K b. Zn, S and Cu c. Ca, Mg and S d. Mo, Mn and Cu
67. The advantage of organic fertilizer over inorganic fertilizer is
a. Higher analysis b. Immediate effect c. More available d. Long term effect
68. Soil acidity is due to the presence of both Al+++ and H+ ions in the soil. The hydrolysis of 1 mole at
Al+++ gives rise to a. 1 b. 3 c. 5 d. 7 moles of H+ ions
69. Soil acidity is one of the most expensive soil problems in crop production. To alleviate soil acidity,
which among these soil amendments is applied?
a. Sulfur b. Lime c. Organic fertilizer d. Urea
70. The enzyme responsible for nitrogen fixation
a. Nitrate reductase b. Catalase c. Nitrogenase d. Carboxylase
71. The conversion of ammonium (NH4) into organic N
a. Immobilization b. Fixation c. Mineralization d. Nitrification
72. One of the choices below is not a factor that determines the amount of lime to apply
a. Lime requirement of the crop b. Soil organic matter c. Soil texture
d. Time and frequency of liming
73. Of the following, the one that is not carbohydrate is
a. Lignin b. Starch c. Cellulose d. Hemicellulose
74. The most prominent and numerous soil microorganisms
a. Algae b. Actinomytes c. Bacteria d. Fungi
75. The percentage of organic N in the soil is approximately
a. 96-98% b. 78-80% c. 68-75% d. 50-60%
76. Soil management, which increases availability of absorbed P in acid upland soils
a. Fertilizer application b. Liming c. Organic matter application
d. Prolonged anaerobic conditions
77. The most efficient organic matter decomposers under acidic soil condition are the
a. Bacteria b. Actinomycetes c. Fungi d. Protozoa
78. The trade name of potassium chloride fertilizer
a. Ammophos b. Muriate of potash c. Solophos d. Sulfate of potash
79. It is an indicator of biological activity in the soil
a. Soil structure b. Soil respiration c. Soil fertility d. Soil oxidation
80. Blocks of soil from each horizon posted on hard board
a. Regolith b. Monolith c. Litolith d. Pedon
81. When nutrients are immobile deficiency first shows up in
a. Youngest leaves b. Oldest leavesc. Senescent leaves d. Stems
82. Soil application of fertilizer after plant emergence
a. Basal b. Topdressing c. Foliard. Deep placement
83. Soil texture can be described effectively in the filed
a. Touch method b. Pinch method c. Hydrometer d. Feel and roll method
84. The percent N, P2O5 and K2O in a fertilizer
a. Fertilizer ratio b. Fertilizer grade c. Fertilizer recommendation d. Fertilizer brand
85. In the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE), the soil cover and management factor are represented by
a. R b. K c. P d. C
86. A soil condition usually associated with acidity problem is:
a. Fine texture b. Level topography c. Poor internal drainage d. Soil acidity
87. A textual class consisting of a mixture of equal amounts of sand, silt and clay
a. Sandy soil b. Clayey soil c. Silty soil d. Loamy soil
88. Soils in this category have the same color, texture, consistency, thickness and reaction (Ph) and have
the same number and arrangementand similar chemical and mineralogical properties
a. Soil series b. Soil order c. Great group d. Family
89. The basic cation, which enhances aggregation a. Ca b. Na c. K d. Mg
90. The property of the soil that enables water, air or roots to move through it
a. Infiltration b. Density c. Permeability d. Percolation
91. The El Nino phenomenon created a global problem in agriculture. This problem is manifested by wide
cracks in the soils. The cracks is due to the predominance of
a. Kaolinite b. Montmorillionite c. Vermiculite d. Elite clays
92. The common bulk density value of volcanic ash soils.
a. 0.1 to 0.7g/cc b. 0.5 to 0.9g/cc c. 0.9 to 1.2g/cc d. >1,75g/cc
93. The global stock of water in the ground water a. 97% b. 2% c. 0.7% d. <0.05%
94. The filed capacity, water is held at a tension of a. 1/3 bar b. Pf 2.5 c. 33kPa d. All of the above
95. Imparts a yellowish color to soil a. Lepidocrite b. Goethite c. Hematite d. Humus
96. The central component of terrestrial ecosystems a. Flora b. Soil c. Fauna d. Man
97. The smallest volume that can be called soil a. Pedon b. Horizon c. Profile d. Aggregate
98. Volcanic rocks consisting of accumulation of fragments blasted from volcanoes are
a. Sediments b. Pyroclastics c. Lahar d. Diamonds
99. Which of the following elements are not essentials to plants
a. Chlorine b. Nickel c. Boron d. Aluminum
100. It is brought about by the attraction of solutes for water in the soil
a. Matric potential b. Gravitational potential c. Osmotic potential d. Soil water potential
SOIL SCIENCE EXAM
Part 2 (Soft bound 1)
1. The original source of most organic matter in soil is a. Plant residues b. Bodies of dead
animals and insects c. Soil inhabiting microorganisms d. Rocks
2. The most abundant gas in the soil atmosphere is
a. CO2 b. O2 c. N2 d. A
3. A soil horizon is defined as: a. The depth of finely divided soil mineral matter over bedrock
b. A soil layer that differs in recognizable properties from other layers immediately above or below
c. The slope of the soil surface relative to the horizontal
d. Any of the above
4. Example of physical weathering process is a. Exfoliation b. Solution c. Hydration d. Oxidation
5. A civil engineer is a: a. Edaphologist b. Pedologist c. Petrologist d. Anthropologist
6. The study of rock is: a. Mineralogy b. Rockology c. Petrology d. Hydrology
7. The molten mass from where igneous rocks solidify from is: a. Core b. Magma c. Mantle d. Soil
8. Metamorphism is caused by: a. High pressure and temperature b. Floods c. Erosion
d. Earthquake
9. The parent material corresponds to horizon: . AB b. C c. D d. ABCD
10. The true soil corresponds to horizon:
a. C b. AB c. ABC d. ABCD
11. A lowland paddy soil possesses:
a. ABC horizons b. Oxidized c. AB horizons d. OABC
12. An organic soil is most likely having % OM of a. 1 b. 5 c. 25 d. 0
13. The mineral supplying P is: a. Feldspar b. Apetite c. Talc d. Pyrite
14. Tourmaline supplies the element a. Mn b. B c. Ca d. N
15. Resistance of minerals to abrasion is
a. Luster b. Specific gravity c. Hardness d. Cleavage
16. The softest mineral is: a. Diamond b. Talc c. Quartz d. Apatite
17. The hardest mineral is a. Diiamond b. Talc c. Quartz d. Apatite
18. This mineral is hardly soluble in water a. Talc b. Quartz c. Gypsum d. Fluorite
19. This is not an element of climate a. Relief b. Precipitation c. Temperature d. Sunshine
20. Parent material deposited in lakes is: a. Alluvium b. Lacustrine c. Marine d. Tuff
21. The soil profile is found in the a. Core b. Mantle c. Crust d. Moho layer
22. The most abundant element in earths crust a. Fe, Al, Mn, N, P b. O, Si, Al, Fe, Ca
c. N, P, K, Ca, Mg d. C, H, O, N, P
23. Secondary mineral include: a. Montmorillonite b. Quartz c. Feldspar d. Diamond
24. This is not a soil-forming factor a. Climatic b. Organism c. Soil color d. Time
25. The basic elements lost in weathering are: a. Fe, Al b. Ca, Mg c. Zn, Mn d. C, H
26. The main objective of physical weathering is: a. Increase total surface area for chemical weathering
b. Weaken rock by removal of bases c. Produce clay d. Leach bases
27. The soil forming factors that normally show the greatest variation from one geographic region to
another are: a. Topography and parent material b. Topography c. Climate and vegetarian
d. Time and relief
28. Parent material that has formed by weathering of bedrock in place is:
a. Transported b. Residual c. Colluvial d. Alluvial
29. One of the most variable soil components is: a. Mineral matter b. Organic matter
c. Soil water d. Sand
30. Of the following minerals, the one that expands on wetting is:
a. Muscovite b. illite c. Montmorillonite d. Kaolinite
31. Feldspar minerals that are most easily weathered by chemical means, tend to be high in the element:
a. K b. Na c. Ca d. P
32. Basalt weathers more easily than granite, this difference being explained most readily by difference in:
a. Mineralogy b. Texture c. Both a and b d. Color
33. The dark color of igneous rock usually caused by: a. Quartz b. Feldspar c. Calcite
d. Ferromagnesian minerals
34. The chemical element in dolomite that is not an important constituent of calcite is:
a. Mg b. Ca c. C d. O
35. The primary mineral most likely to accumulate at the site of chemical weathering of granite is:
a. Mica b. Muscovite c. Quartz d. Clay
36. Soil textural classes are defined in terms of ranges in variation in:
a. Structure b. Weathering c. Texture d. Drainage
37. The physical state of the soil as relate to plant growth is known as soil:
a. Texture b. Consistency c. Tilth d. Structure
38. The sedimentary rock that contains clay minerals as one of its most important constituent is:
a. Shale b. Limestone c. Sandstone d. Slate
39. The percent moisture of moist soil sample that’s weighs 12.5g originally and 10kg after oven drying is:
a. 12.5 b. 10 c. 25 d. 22.5
40. The force that determines the height to which water will rise in a vertical capillary tube:
a. Surface tension b. Capillarity c. Infiltration d. Capillary fringe
41. The entry of surface applied water into the soil is known as:
a. Infiltration b. Percolation c. Seepage d. Erosion
42. The zone of saturated soil where water is held under suction immediately above the water table is
known as: a. Water table b. Spring c. Capillary fringe d. Capillarity
43. The acidity of rain water is largely due to the gas: a. CO2 b. NO3 c. SO3 d. H
44. Which does not relate to CEC? a. Amount of clay b. Amount of OM
c. Kind of clay d. Bulk density
45. This ion is absorbed with the least force to soil particles: a. Na b. Ca c. H d. Al
46. The soil depth from which the plant obtain the major part of the water absorbed is
a. Effective-rooting depth of plant b. Solum c. Profile d. Rhizosphere
47. The consumptive use of water is defined as that quantity of water in the production of a crop by the
process of: a. Transpiration b. Evaporation c. Evapotranspiration d. Water use efficiency
48. Porosity, which is the total pore-space volume of soils:
a. Is highest in fine-textured soil b. Is highest in course-textured soil
c. Varies little with differences in texture d. Is same for all the soil
49. The hydraulic pressure of water held in the soil by capillary forces of attraction is:
a. Zero b. Positive c. Negative d. 10,000
50. Soil suction is a satirized zone beneath a water table is:
a. Greater than zero b. Zero c. Less than zero d. 10,000
51. The magnitude and algebraic sign, the matric potential of soil water is equal to:
a. Negative hydraulic pressure b. Soil suction c. Soil water tension d. Positive hydraulic pressure
52. Plant welting commences when: a. Water flow into roots stops
b. Water flow into roots drops below transpiration lost
c. Water starts flowing from roots back into the soil d. Soil is at field capacity
53. Where a complete cloud cover is present, the component of solar radiation that is of maximum
intensity at ground level is: a. Light b. Infrared c. Ultraviolet d. Far red
54. The exchange of energy in radiant form between the soil and the atmosphere goes on:
a. Only during daylight hours b. Only during night c. Continuously d. Only during cloudy day
55. Maximum daily variation in temperature at the surface of the ground normally occurs where:
a. Both the soil and the air above are dry b. Both the soil and the air above are moist
c. The soil is dry and the air above is moist d. Soil is wet
56. In addition to hydrogen the cation that normally tends to increase in exchangeable form with
increasing soil acidity is: a. Aluminum b. Calcium c. Ammonium d. Magnesium
57. The cation exchange capacity of the soil is a measure of:
a. The force of bonding between the soil and exchangeable cations
b. The negative charge of the soil neutralized by easily replaceable cations
c. The speed with which ions added to soil solution become absorbed in soil particle surfaces
d. Acidity
58. Of the following, the material with the highest cation exchange capacity is:
a. Vermiculite b. Calcium c. Organic matter d. Kaolinite
59. A soil has a certain cation exchange capacity of 10me per 100g, and the following compliment of
exchangeable cations, the amount being
expressed in millequivalents per 100g of soil: H, 3.0 Ca 2.0 Al 3.0 Mg 1.0 Na 0.25 and K 0.75. The
percent base saturation of this soil is:
a. 10 b. 40 c. 70 d. 50
60. In slightly acidic soils, such as in those with pH between 6.0 to 7.0 the two most abundant, cation will
probably be: a. Calcium and Magnesium b. Hydrogen and Aluminum
c. Potassium and Sodium d. Iron and Manganese
61. An alluvial horizon in a soil is designated by the symbol: a. A1 b. A2 c. B2 d. O2
62. A parent material that often has the same origin as loess but it separated from loess by the action of
wind is: a. Colluvium b. Volcanic ash c. Dune sand d. Lahar
63. The removal of excess water from a waterlogged soil depends on
a. A difference in soil suction b. The force of gravity c. Atmospheric pressured. Temperature
64. CEC is 20 m.e./100g. If it has 8 m. e. H and the remaining cations are bases, what is the % BS?
a. 80 b. 40 c. 60 d. 50
65. During the dry season plant roots are naturally supplied with water through
a. Infiltration b. Capillarity c. Percolation d. Leaching
66. Which soil property is not influenced by OM? a. Bulk density b. Texture c. Structure d. Color
67. Which is the seat of chemical activities in the soil? a. Sand b. Silt c. Colloid d. Clay
68. Which has the highest pH dependent negative charges? a. OM b. illite c. Montmorillonite
d. Kaolinite
69. Ten m.e. of Ca (40) can replace how many m.e H of the exchange complex? a. 0.2 b. 1 c. 20 d. 10
70. The soil contains 10 m.e. Ca /100g. This is equivalent to how many tons Ca per HFS?
a. 4 b. 40 c. 10 d. 200
71. One m.e. Ca/100g soil is equivalent to how many ppm Ca? At. Wt. Ca= 40 a. 400 b. 40 c. 200d. 80
72. The dominant basic cation in agricultural soil is: a. Na b. K c. Mg d. Ca
73. A loam soil has a. Macropores>micropores b. Macropores<micropores
c. Micropores=macropores d. Zero pore spaces
74. A submerged soil has a. All pores filled with water b. Macropores filled with water c. Macropores
filled with air d. Micropores filled with air
75. Under conditions of high rainfall and humidity the least leach cation is: a. Al b. Ca c. Mg d. Na
76. At the same level of OM, which will have the highest water holding capacity?
a. Loamy sand b. Clay loam c. Clay d. Sandy loam
77. The capability of the soil being molded by hand is
a. Sickness b. Plasticity c. Tilth d. Cracking
78. If a ring without crack is found in the roll method of determining texture the texture is most likely:
a. Loamy sand b. Clay loam c. Clay d. Sandy loam
79. The hydrometer and pipette method of mechanical analysis obey the:
a. Dick’s Law b. Freundlick’s Law c. Ohm’s Law d. Strokes Law
80. This is used in determining soil color
a. Color wheel b. LCC c. Munsell color chart d. Moh’s scale
81. The hardest mineral is: a. Quartz b. Diamond c. Talc d. Topaz
82. Which among these minerals does not contribute any soil nutrient?
a. Quartz b. Talc c. Apatite d. Calcite
83. Aside from carbon and hydrogen, the other macroelement constituent of organic compound in the
plant is: a. Oxygen b. Nitrogen c. Phosphorus d. Potassium
84. This macroelement is a component of protein and chlorophyll and is the most limiting element in crop
production except for legumes a. Nitrogen b. Phosphorus c. Potassium d. Calcium
85. This macronutrient is involved in energy storage in the plant and is constituent of phospholipids,
nucleoproteins, and is deficient in acid upland soil.
a. Nitrogen b. Phosphorus c. Potassium d. Calcium
86. This macroelement is not a component of any organic molecule in the plant. Its function is more
catalytic in nature and usually deficient in course- textured soils.
a. Nitrogen b. Potassium c. Phosphorus d. Calcium
87. This macronutrient is part of the middle lamella and is deficient in acid upland soil.
a. Nitrogen b. Potassium c. Calcium d. Magnesium
88. This nutrient is a metal component of chlorophyll and is deficient in upland acid soil.
a. Nitrogen b. Calcium c. Magnesium d. Copper
89. This macronutrient is a component of amino acids such as methionine, cystein and cystine and is
usually deficient in waterlogged soils. a. Sulfur b. Calcium c. Magnesium d. Zinc
90. This micronutrient is needed in chlorophyll synthesis and usually deficient in alkaline soils.
a. Iron b. Zinc c. Molybdenum d. Boron
91. This micronutrient is needed in the synthesis of auxin and is usually deficient in waterlogged soil.
a. Iron b. Zinc c. Molybdenum d. Copper
92. This micronutrient is needed in nitrogen fixation by leguminous plant and is usually deficient in acid
upland soil a. Zinc b. Molybdenum c. Iron d. Manganese
93. In a very extremely acidic soil (pH 4.5-5.0), these elements are toxic to plants except:
a. Aluminum b. Calcium c. Iron d. Manganese
94. Which of the following element is not essential to plant growth
a. Nitrogen b. Molybdenum c. Copper d. Aluminum
95. This is a substance produced by one organism, which inhabit growth of other organisms
a. Pesticides b. Antibiotic c. Antigen d. Antiboby
96. The most dominant soil microflora are: a. Insects b. Bacteria c. Algae d. Fungi
97. The root-nodulating rhibozobium that is infective on tropical legume is
a. Azorhizobium b. Brady rhizobium c. Rhizobium d. Azospirillium
98. The iron-containing substance found in legume nodules is
a. Carotenoid b. Auxin c. Leghemoglobin d. Xanthophyllis
99.The seat of N2 fixation in symbiotic system is:
a. Nodule b. Leaves c. Root d. Stem
100. The soil microflora with the highest biomass are:
a. Bacteria b. Actinomyces c. Algae d. Fungi
101. The stable product of organic matter
a. Humus b. Lignin c. Cellulose d. Hemicellulose
102. Indirect utilization of molecular nitrogen is:
a. Symbiotic nitrogen fixation b. Non-symbiotic nitrogen-fixation
c. Haber-Bosch process of immobilization d. VAM
103. This is not a biological process a. Volatilization b. Nitrogen fixation c. Mineralization
d. Nitrification
104. This N transformation is an acidifying process a. Denitrification b. Nitrogen fixation
c. Nitrification d. Volatilization
105. Association between plant root and fungi is known as:
a. Lichen b. Symbiosis c. Competition d. Mycorrhiza
106. One organism inhibits or suppresses growth of other organism is a kind of
a. Symbiosis b. Parasitism c. Neutralism d. Predation
107. Rhizobium- legume association is an example of
a. Mutualism b. Neutralism c. Predation d. Symbiosis
108. Microorganisms that are most active in the decay of organic substances in soils are
a. Autotrophs b. Aerobes c. Anaerobes d. Phototrophs
109. Once a soil has been placed under cultivation, its organic matter content usually
a. Increases b. Decreases c. Remains relatively unchanged d. All of the above
110. Nitrogen is the most limiting element in crop production, except for legumes. The available form of
nitrogen is a. Organic matter b. Nitrate c. Ammonium d. Both b and c
111. The capacity of the soil to supply nutrient elements in right amount and correct proportion
a. Availability b. Soil fertility c. Soil productivity d. Rate of reproduction
112. Nutrient deficiency symptom is referred to as language of the crop. What is the term used to
describe general yellowing of the leaves as a result of deficiency of some nutrient element?
a. Necrotic b. Chlorosis c. Plasmolysis d. Defective
113. The deficiency symptom of mobile element in the plant like K are manifested at the older leaves
while the deficiency symptoms of immobile elements like
a. N b. Mg c. Ca d. S is observed at the younger leaves
114. The Maligaya series which was developed from recent alluvium is generally adequate in P and
exchangeable bases such as Ca, Mg, K and Na but deficient in:
a. Nitrogen b. Zinc c. Boron d. Copper
115. A well drained soil subject to excessive leaching of the basic cations are acidic and are defined with
P, Ca, Mg and Mo while lowland rice soils that are poorly drained and waterlogged are deficient with this
elements a. N and K b. Zn and S c. Zn and Ca d. Ca and Mg
116. Deficiency indicates low level of nutrient elements while this term indicates excessive level of
nutrient elements in the plant or soil.
a. Sufficiency b. Toxicity c. Hidden hunger d. Poverty adjustments
117. A problem soil usually found in upland areas with high rainfall characterized by very low Ph values
a. Acid b. Saline c. Alkaline d. Pest
118. A problem soil usually found in coastal areas characterized by excessive amount of salts in the soil
solution a. Acid b. Saline c. Alkaline d. Pest
119. Problem soil usually found in low-lying waterlogged areas characterized by the accumulation of the
organic matter is a. Acid b. Saline c. Alkaline d. Peat
120. A problem soil usually found in low-lying mining areas characterized by excessive amounts of heavy
metals a. Mine-tilling affected soil b. Peat c. Saline d. Saline-sodic
121. There are sixteen (16) essential elements needed by plants for normal growth and development.
How many of these essential elements are derived from the soil? a. 13 b. 12 c. 11 d. 10
122. Some nutrient elements are not essential but are beneficial. Identify the nutrient element beneficial to
the rice plant. a. Nitrogen b. Silicon c. Manganese d. Vanadium
123. The chlorophyll molecule is composed of (4) essential elements. Identify the metallic element in the
chlorophyll molecule. a. Carbon b. Hydrogen c. Magnesium d. Nitrogen
124. The nutrient elements in organic matter and minerals are considered unavailable. The most available
form of nutrient elements is in a. Soil solution b. Exchangeable c. Fixed d. Occurred
125. The terms below are factors affecting nutrient availability except for one. Identify this term.
a. Capacity b. Weathering c. Intensity d. Rate of replenishment
126. All of these processes contribute in the decline of soil fertility, except this process:
a. Crop removal b. Soil erosion and run-off c. Green manuring d. Fixation
127. One of these processes does not result in the loss of nitrogen in the soil
a. Mineralization b. Volatilization c. Denitrification d. Leaching
128. The most accurate method of assessing soil fertility
a. Nutrient deficiency symptom b. Filed experiment c. Plant analysis d. Soil analysis
129. Which does not belong to the group of words?
a. Ammonium sulphate b. Urea c. Ammonium chloride d. Ammonium nitrate
130. Which does not belong to groups of words?
a. Guano b. Night soil c. Urea d. Chicken dung
131. Flooding acid soils improved the availability of P and decreases solubility of aluminum, iron and
manganese. This phenomenon is referred to as “self-liming effect” .The increase in the availability of
nutrient elements in acid soil y flooding is due to:
a. Increase in soil pH b. Decrease in soil pH c. Increase microbial activities
d. Increase rate of mineralization
132. Continuous flooding such as in waterlogged lowland rice soils causes reduction of soils, which
decrease the availability of these essential elements.
a. N, P, K b. Zn, S and Cu c. Ca, Mg and S d. Mo, Mn and Cu
133. One practical soil management practice to improve availability of Zn and S in waterlogged lowland
rice soils is a. Alternate wetting and drying b. Continuous flooding c. Application of organic fertilizer
d. Application of inorganic fertilizer
134. Soil microorganism is responsible for the decomposition of soil organic matter. The process of
conversion from organic form to nutrient elements to inorganic form is termed.
a. Mineralization b. Immobilization c. Vernalization d. Denitrification
135. The minimum guarantee of a fertilizer material in terms of percent nitrogen, phosphorus and
potassium is referred to as a. Fertilizer rates b. Fertilizer grade c. Fertilizer ratio d. Filler
136. The advantage of organic fertilizer over inorganic fertilizer is
a. Higher analysis b. Immediate effect c. More available d. Long term effect
137. Farm manure with the highest fertilizer value a. Goat manure b. Carabao manure
c. Chicken manure d. Cow manure
138. The fertilizer recommended for irrigated lowland rice in a Maligaya clay loam during dry season is
113kg N, 21 kg P2O5 and 21kg K2O per hectare. The amount of fertilizer needed to satisfy the
requirement is a. 4 bags urea (46-0-0) + 3 bags complete fertilizer (14-14-14)
b. 5 bags urea (46-0-0) + 4 bags complete fertilizer (14-14-14)
c. 4 bags urea (46-0-0) + 4 bags complete fertilizer (14-14-14) d. 10 bags complete fertilizer (14-14-14)
139. Soil PH is one of the most important single chemical property of the soil that indicated its nutritional
status. A soil with pH 5 has H+ ion concentration of
a. 5 x 10-5 M b. 50 x 10-5M c. 1 x 10-5 M d. 10 x 10-5 M
140. Soil acidity is due to the presence of both Al+++ and H+ ions in the soil. The hydrolysis of 1 mole of
Al+++ gives rise to a. 1 b. 3 c. 5 d. 7 moles of H+, ions
141. The H+ ion concentration of a soil is 1 x 10-6 M. The Ph of this soil is a. 6 b. 5 c. 7 d. 6.1
142. Which among these processes does not contribute to the development of soil acidity
a. Leaching b. Nitrification c. Application of NH4+ carrying fertilizers d. Volatilization
143. In the laboratory, the amount of lime to alleviate soil acidity can be determined using the
a. Veitch method b. Hoagland’s method c. Espino’s methods d. De Amon method
144. Soil acidity is one of the most extensive soil problems in crop production. To alleviate soil
acidity,which among of these soil amendments is applied?
a. Sulfur b. Lime c. Organic fertilizer d. Urea
145. The most common form of agricultural lime present in the market
a. Ca Mg (CO3)2 b. CaCO3 c. CaO d. MgO
146. Dolomite is extensively used as liming material in acid soil grown to sugarcane. What is the chemical
formula of dolomite?
a. CaCO3 b. Ca Mg (CO4)2 c. CaO d. Mg CO3
147. To be more effective, a liming material should be applied at the proper time. This is usually done at
a. Plowing b. Planting c. 3-4 weeks before planting d. Harvesting
148. The enzyme responsible in nitrogen fixation
a. Nitrate reduclase b. Catalase c. Nitrogenase d. Carboxylase
149. Non- symbiotic N2 fixing organisms in a lowland soil
a. Actinomycetes b. Bacteria c. Blue green algae d. Fungi
150. Organisms capable of nitrogen fixation are called
a. Organotrophs b. Diazotrophs c. Chemotrophs d. Autotrophs
151. Decomposers, which work both under aeroboc and anaerobic conditions
a. Actinomycetes b. Bacteria c. Fungi d. Algae
152. The conversion of ammonium (NH4) into organic N
a. Immobilization b. Fixation c. Mineralization d. Nitrification
153. The element that often limits the rate of plant residue decay in soils
a. Oxygen b. Carbon c. Nitrogen d. Phosphorus
154. On the average, the tissue of legume plants decomposes more rapidly than the straw from mature
grass because the legume is a. Higher in readily decomposable carbohydrates
b. Higher in protein c. Higher in both readily decomposable carbohydrates and protein
d. Higher in lignin
155. Microorganisms that are most active in the decay of organic substance in soils
a. Autotrophs b. Aerobes c. Anaerobes d. Phototrophs
156. Of the following, the one that is not carbohydrate is
a. Lignin b. Starch c. Cellulose d. Hemicellulose
157. Product of nitrification is
a. N2 b. NO3 c. NH4 d. N2O
158. Product of denitrification
a. N2 b. NO3 c. NH4 d. NH3
159. The anaerobic non-symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria belong to the genus
a. Dextria b. Clostridium c. Azotobacter d. Bradyrhizobium
160. The percentage of organic N in soil is approximately
a. 96-98% b. 78-80% c. 68-75% d. 50-60%
161. Bacteria belong to this genus are non-symbiotic nitrogen fixers
a. Nitrobacter b. Aerobacter c. Azotobacter d. Anthrobacter
162. If a crop residue contains 60% organic carbon and 5% total nitrogen, its C/N ratio is
a. 10:1 b. 12:1 c. 15:1 d. 20:1
163. Which of the following microorganisms is very sensitive to potassium levels in soil and therefore
useful in diagnosing potassium deficiency?
a. Pseudomonas denitrificans b. Aspergillus niger c. Azotobacter chroococcum
d. Nitrobacter agilis
164. The most efficient organic matter decomposers under acidic soil conditions are the
a. Bacteria b. Actinomycetes c. Fungi d. Protozoa
165. A soil with bulk density of 1.3 g/cm3 and particle density of 2.60g/cm3 will have a porosity of
a. 5% b. 25% c. 50% d. 75%
166. Type of soil structure best suited for growing upland crops
a. Massive b. Platy c. Crumb d. Single-grain
167. Bacteria belong to this factor of soil formation
a. Relief b. Living organism c. Climate d. Parent material
168. Blocks of soil form each horizon posted on hard board
a. Regolith b. Monolith c. Litolith d. Pedon
169. Basic for mapping of Philippine soils
a. Soil series/type b. Soil order c. Soil fertility d. Great group
170. The percent N, P2O5 and K2O
a. Fertilizer ratio b. Fertilizer grade c. Fertilizer recommendation d. Fertilizer brand
171. The highly weathered and leached tropical soils most of the phosphorus is stored in
a. Soil solution b. Secondary minerals c. Organic matter d. Clay fraction
172. When nutrients are immobile deficiency first shown up in
a. Younger leaves b. Oldest leaves c. Senescent leaves d. Stems
173. Deficiency of nitrogen first shows up as chlorosis of
a. Oldest leaves b. Younger leaves c. Middle leaves d. Stems
174. The suitable fertilizer for alkaline N deficient soil
a. Anhydrous NH4 b. Urea c. Calcium nitrate d. Ammonium sulfate
175. At maturity the nitrogen content of a grain crop will be highest in
a. Stem b. Leaf c. Roots d. Grain
176. Soil application of fertilizer after plant emergence
a. Basal b. Topdressing c. Foliar d. Deep placement
177. The first stage in soil erosion
a. Soil particle detachment b. Entrapment c. Deposition d. Water infiltration
178. Basic properties described in a soil profile
a. Texture, bulk density, consistency b. CEC, OMC (%) content, BS, BD c. Color, texture,
stoniness, structure d. Plasticity, structure
179. Describes the lightness and darkness of color a. Value b. Hue c. Ultra d. Spectra
180. Soil texture can be described effectively in the field
a. Touch method b. Pinch method c. Hydrometer d. Feel and roll method
181. The cracking clay soils fall under this order
a. Vertisols b. Ultisols c. Mallisols d. Alfisols
182. The most detailed category of soil taxonomy
a. Vertisols b. Oxisols c. Ultisols d. Alfisols
183. The most detailed category of soil taxonomy
a. Soil family b. Soil series c. Great group d. Suborder
184. The percent N. P2O5 and K2O in a fertilizer
a. Fertilizer ratio b. Fertilizer grade c. Fertilizer recommendation d. Fertilizer brand
185. The available form of nitrogen a. N2 b. N2O c. NH4 d. NH3
186. Calcium in plants tends to be concentrated in a. Cell sap b. Cell nucleus
c. Cell wall d. Mitochondria
187. If neutral salt were leached from a sodic soil, its Ph would probably
a. Increase b. Decrease c. Remain the same d. Zero
188. A soil condition usually associated with a salinity problem is
a. Fine texture b. Fine topography c. Poor internal drainage d. Soil acidity
189. Of the following calcium compounds, the one that has the highest neutralizing power when in pure
form is a. Calcium oxide b. Calcium hydroxide c. Calcium carbonate d. Dolomite
190. To conserve the nitrogen it contains, animal manure should be stored in
a. Loose, moist condition b. Compact, dry condition c. Compact, moist condition
d. Loose, dry condition
191. The reason micronutrient element such as copper, zinc and ion are frequently supplied in plants in
the form of sprays is because
a. These element are readily fixed in unavailable form in soils
b. These elements are not efficiently taken up from the soil solution by roots
c. Spraying gives better control over toxic effects from micronutrients
d. These elements are volatile
192. Soil in this category has the same color, texture, structure, consistency, thickness and reaction (pH)
and the same number and arrangement of horizons and similar chemical and mineralogical properties
a. Soil series b. Soil order c. Great group d. Family
193. A surface horizon that is too light in color too low in organic matter or too thin
a. Molic epipedon b. Ochric epipedon c. Histic epipedon d. Umbric epipedon
194. The total number of soil orders classified under the soil taxonomy a. 15 b. 10 c. 12 d. 11
195. Soil particles larger than 2mm in size a. Sand b. Rockiness c. Stones d. Gravelly
196. The property of the soil that enables water, air or roots to move through it
a. Infiltration b. Density c. Permeability d. Percolation
197. A soil temperature regime wherein the main soil annual temperature is 220C or higher and the
difference between mean summer and mean winter temperature is less than 50C
a. Mesic b. Thermic c. Hyperthermic d. Isohyperthermic
198. Increased bulk density is not favorable in practical agriculture. Which of the following may lead to
reduced bulk density a. Less aggregation and root penetration
b. Compaction caused by weight of the overlying layers
c. Addition in organic matter in large amounts d. Heavy foot traffic
199. Soil component with extreme small size and large surface area, capable of absorbing cation and
water a. Colloid b. Quartz c. Feldsfar d. Carbonates
200. The El Nino phenomenon created a global problem in agriculture. This problem is manifested by
wide cracks in soils. The cracks are due to the predominance of
a. Kaolinite b. Montmorillonite c. Vermiculite d. illite clays
-ANSWER KEYSoil
Science Exam (Set 1)
1. A 21. B 41. A 61. B 81. A
2. A 22. A 42. B 62. B 82. B
3. A 23. D 43. C 63. A 83. D
4. A 24. C 44. D 64. A 84. A/B
5. A 25. A 45. B 65. D 85. D
6. A 26. A 46. C 66. B 86. D
7. B 27. A 47. B 67. D 87. D
8. D 28. B 48. A 68. B 88. D
9. B 29. C 49. B 69. B 89. A
10. A 30. C 50. C 70. A 90. C•
11. C 31. C 51. C 71. A 91. B
12. C 32. B 52. C 72. B 92. B
13. C 33. C 53. B 73. A 93. C
14. B 34. A 54. D 74. C 94. A
15. C 35. D 55. B 75. A 95. B
16. B 36. D 56. B 76. B 96. B
17. D 37. C 57. D 77. C 97. A
18. C 38. C 58. B 78. B 98. B
19. C 39. C 59. C 79. B 99. D
20. A 40. A 60. B 80. B 100. C
Soil Science Exam Pat 2 (Soft bound 1)
1. A 21. C 41. A 61. C 81. B 101. A 121. A 141. A 161. C 181. D
2. C 22. B 42. C 62. C 82. A 102. A 122. B 142. D 162. B 182. B
3. B 23. A 43. A 63. B 83. A 103. A 123. C 143. A 163. B 183. A
4. A 24. C 44. D 64. C 84. A 104. C 124. A 144. B 164. C 184. B
5. B 25. B 45. A 65. B 85. B 105. D 125. B 145. B 165. C 185. C
6. C 26. A 46. A 66. B 86. B 106. B 126. C 146. B 166. C 186. A
7. B 27. B 47. C 67. C 87. C 107. D 127. B 147. C 167. B 187. A
8. A 28. B 48. A 68. A 88. C 108. B 128. B 148. C 168. B 188. C
9. C 29. C 49. C 69. D 89. A 109. B 129. B 149. B 169. A 189. A
10. B 30. C 50. B 70. A 90. A 110. D 130. C 150. B 170. B 190. C
11. B 31. C 51. A 71. C 91. B 111. B 131. A 151. B 171. C 191. A
12. C 32. C 52. B 72. D 92. B 112. B 132. B 152. A 172. A 192. A
13. B 33. D 53. A 73. C 93. B 113. C 133. A 153. A 173. A 193. B
14. B 34. A 54. C 74. A 94. D 114. A 134. A 154. C 174. D 194. C
15. C 35. C 55. A 75. A 95. B 115. B 135. B 155. B 175. D 195. D
16. B 36. C 56. A 76. C 96. B 116. B 136. D 156. A 176. B 196. C
17. A 37. C 57. B 77. B 97. B 117. A 137. C 157. B 177. A 197. D
18. B 38. A 58. C 78. C 98. C 118. B 138. A 158. A 178. C 198. C
19. A 39. C 59. B 79. D 99. A 119. D 139. C 159. B 179. A 199. A
20. B 40. A 60. A 80. C 100. D 120. A 140. B 160. B 180. D 200. B