Red Seal Landscape Horticulturist Practice Exam

How can sandy soil be improved for better plant growth?

1. By removing all large rocks

2. By adding organic matter or compost to enhance moisture and nutrient retention

3. By increasing the soil's acidity

4. By watering more frequently

The correct answer is: By adding organic matter or compost to enhance moisture and nutrient retention

Improving sandy soil for better plant growth is best achieved by adding organic matter or compost. Sandy soil typically has large particles that create significant spaces between them, allowing water and nutrients to drain quickly. This can result in inferior moisture and nutrient retention, making it challenging for plants to thrive. When organic matter or compost is mixed into sandy soil, it enhances its structure by filling in the gaps between the soil particles. This process not only improves water retention but also increases the soil's nutrient content, as organic materials decompose and release essential nutrients that plants need for growth. Moreover, organic matter helps enhance the microbial activity in the soil, which plays a critical role in nutrient cycling and overall soil health. In contrast, removing all large rocks may help in creating a cleaner planting bed, but it does not directly address the fundamental issues of moisture retention and nutrient availability that sandy soil faces. Increasing soil acidity does not inherently improve sandy soil's physical characteristics and could lead to further nutrient imbalance for specific plant types. While watering more frequently may seem like a practical solution, it could lead to overwatering issues and does not resolve the core problem of water and nutrient retention in sandy soil. Using organic matter is the most effective strategy to enhance sandy soil and support better plant