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Soil nutrition practice questions

27 questions from the certified arborist practice test.

Soil nutrition practice test

10 questions, graded as you go, with the reason for every answer. No sign-up.

What this covers

Sample questions

Compared with a soil at pH 7, how much more acidic is a soil at pH 5?

  1. 20 times
  2. 10 times
  3. 100 times
  4. 2 times
Show the answer

C. 100 times

The pH scale is logarithmic, so each whole unit is a tenfold change; two units is 10 x 10 = 100 times. Ten times is the change for a single unit.

Reference: Arborist certification study guide: Soil Science (pH)

A pin oak in alkaline soil shows yellow leaves with green veins on the newest growth. Which nutrient problem is most likely?

  1. Iron is unavailable at the high pH
  2. Phosphorus is toxic because of the high pH
  3. Nitrogen has been leached out by heavy rain
  4. Potassium is being held too tightly by sand
Show the answer

A. Iron is unavailable at the high pH

Iron and manganese become much less available as pH rises, producing interveinal chlorosis on young leaves of sensitive species such as pin oak. Nitrogen shortage shows as general yellowing that begins on older leaves.

Reference: Arborist certification study guide: Soil Science; Nutrition (micronutrient availability)

Which material is commonly applied to lower the pH of a soil over time?

  1. Gypsum
  2. Ground limestone
  3. Elemental sulfur
  4. Wood ash
Show the answer

C. Elemental sulfur

Soil bacteria convert elemental sulfur to sulfuric acid, gradually lowering pH. Limestone and wood ash raise pH. Gypsum supplies calcium and sulfur but has little effect on pH.

Reference: Arborist certification study guide: Soil Science (modifying pH)

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