North Carolina Pesticide Application Practice Test

Which of the following describes a characteristic of silt and clay texture soil in relation to water movement?

1. Water moves quickly through this type of soil

2. Water infiltrates slowly and can bind within the soil

3. This soil type retains no moisture

4. Water drains completely away

The correct answer is: Water infiltrates slowly and can bind within the soil

The correct answer identifies that water infiltrates slowly into silt and clay textured soils and can bind within these soil types. Silt and clay have fine particles, which creates small pore spaces that restrict the movement of water. This characteristic means that while water can enter these soils, it does so at a slower rate compared to coarser textures like sand, where the larger particles allow for rapid drainage. Moreover, the ability of silty and clayey soils to hold water is significant; they can retain moisture due to their smaller particle size and particle surface area. This water retention is crucial for plant growth, as it provides a reservoir of moisture that can be used during drier periods. Thus, a key feature of silt and clay soils is their capacity to hold onto water, as opposed to draining quickly or retaining no moisture at all, which would hinder agricultural practices and affect ecosystem health.