Question

Which of the following epipedons is a surface horizon that is low in organic matter content and is light coloured?

• A. Mollic
• B. Anthropic
• C. Ochric
• D. Umbric

Hint:

Epipedons:
- Ochric: Low organic matter, light coloured.
- Mollic: High organic matter, dark.
- Umbric: Dark, acidic.
- Anthropic: Man-made.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This question tests knowledge of soil epipedons (surface horizons).

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Ochric (C) is a surface horizon that is low in organic matter content and light coloured.
It is typical of arid and semi-arid soils.
It is the most common epipedon.
Other epipedons:
- Mollic (A): Dark, thick, high in organic matter (grassland soils).
- Anthropic (B): Man-made epipedon (human activity).
- Umbric (D): Dark, but not as thick as mollic (acidic soils).
Thus, ochric is low in organic matter and light coloured.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Thus, the ochric epipedon is low in organic matter and light coloured, which corresponds to option (C).
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