What is a sign of somewhat poor internal drainage in soil?

What is a sign of somewhat poor internal drainage in soil?

• A. Brown
• B. Rust/really brown
• C. Grayish
• D. Gray with mottles

Answer: (C)

A grayish color in soil is an indicator of somewhat poor internal drainage. When soil is poorly drained, the saturation of water can lead to anaerobic conditions that promote the reduction of iron compounds, resulting in the formation of gray colors. This typically occurs in the subsoil where saturation is more prominent, reflecting a lack of oxygen which directly impacts the soil's color. In contrast, other colors such as brown, rust, or mottled gray tend to signify better drainage conditions or soil processes. The presence of mottles (e.g., gray with mottles) suggests variations in moisture conditions, indicating a mix of saturated and drier areas, which does not directly reflect the same degree of poor drainage as a uniform gray color does. Therefore, the grayish color is a clear sign of internal drainage issues, making it the correct answer.

A grayish color in soil is an indicator of somewhat poor internal drainage. When soil is poorly drained, the saturation of water can lead to anaerobic conditions that promote the reduction of iron compounds, resulting in the formation of gray colors. This typically occurs in the subsoil where saturation is more prominent, reflecting a lack of oxygen which directly impacts the soil's color.

In contrast, other colors such as brown, rust, or mottled gray tend to signify better drainage conditions or soil processes. The presence of mottles (e.g., gray with mottles) suggests variations in moisture conditions, indicating a mix of saturated and drier areas, which does not directly reflect the same degree of poor drainage as a uniform gray color does. Therefore, the grayish color is a clear sign of internal drainage issues, making it the correct answer.