Title: Describe impacts on plant growth and development
Course: Biological Applications in Agriculture (18308-I) > Section: Understanding Principles of Water and Soil Quality

Description should include

- soil features
  - soil profile and horizons (e.g., O, A, E, B, C, R)
  - describing the surface thickness
  - soil texture
  - soil color
  - soil structure
- landscape factors
  - slope gradient
  - landscape analysis
- inferred soil characteristics
  - infiltration rate (water entering the soil)
  - surface runoff
  - permeability (water movement through the soil)
  - natural soil drainage classes
- agricultural management
  - land capability classes
  - soil amendments
  - land management systems
  - mechanical practices
- soil and land use interpretations
  - slight
  - moderate
  - severe

Teacher Resources: Virginia FFA and 4-H Soil Judging Guide, Virginia Cooperative Extension

Process/Skill Questions:

- Why is it important to understand soil features, landscape factors, and soil characteristics when determining agricultural management practices?
- What can the color of a soil tell us about it, and why?
- How does mineral composition, water and organic content influence soil color? Why is this information important when evaluating a soil for nutrient richness and fertility?
- How are infiltration rate and permeability crucial for plant growth and development?
- What are some factors that affect the infiltration rate of water entering the soil?
- How does the infiltration rate affect water availability, nutrient transport, erosion control and groundwater recharge? Why is this important to understand?
- How does the permeability of the soil affect root zone aeration, water movement, nutrient availability, and soil structure? Why is this important to understand?