Ohio Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) Exam
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2025|2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which nutrient is most likely to limit corn yield in Ohio soils?
A. Phosphorus
B. Potassium
C. Nitrogen
D. Sulfur
Nitrogen is the primary nutrient limiting corn growth in Ohio due to
its high demand and mobility in the soil.
2. Soil pH below 5.5 is likely to cause deficiencies of which nutrient?
A. Calcium
B. Molybdenum
C. Zinc
D. Boron
, Acidic soils limit molybdenum availability, which is critical for
nitrogen fixation and enzyme activity in plants.
3. Which of the following is considered a macronutrient for plants?
A. Iron
B. Potassium
C. Manganese
D. Zinc
Potassium is a primary macronutrient, required in large quantities
for plant growth.
4. What is the main benefit of applying cover crops in crop rotations?
A. Increase herbicide effectiveness
B. Reduce soil erosion and improve soil health
C. Increase pesticide absorption
D. Decrease soil organic matter
Cover crops protect soil from erosion, add organic matter, and
improve nutrient cycling.
5. Which type of soil has the highest water-holding capacity?
A. Sand
B. Clay
C. Silt
D. Loamy sand
Clay particles are very small and have high surface area, allowing
them to hold more water than sand or silt.
,6. What is the ideal pH range for most Ohio crops?
A. 4.5–5.5
B. 6.0–6.8
C. 5.0–5.5
D. 7.5–8.0
Most Ohio crops, including corn and soybeans, perform best in
slightly acidic to neutral soils.
7. Which method is most commonly used to determine soil nutrient
content?
A. Visual assessment
B. Soil testing
C. Foliar analysis
D. Yield monitoring
Soil testing provides quantitative data on nutrient levels and pH,
allowing for precise recommendations.
8. Which practice helps reduce nitrogen leaching in sandy soils?
A. Broadcast application in spring
B. Split application or use of slow-release fertilizers
C. Applying urea all at once
D. No-till only
Split applications and slow-release fertilizers reduce the risk of
nitrogen being leached below the root zone.
, 9. What is a common symptom of potassium deficiency in corn?
A. Purple stems
B. Chlorosis at leaf margins
C. Interveinal yellowing
D. Stunted roots only
Potassium deficiency often causes leaf margin chlorosis and necrosis
in older leaves.
10. Which of the following is a biological indicator of soil health?
A. Soil texture
B. Earthworm population
C. Soil pH
D. Bulk density
Earthworms indicate good soil structure and biological activity.
11. Which factor most affects nutrient availability in soil?
A. Color
B. pH
C. Temperature only
D. Slope
Soil pH influences nutrient solubility and uptake by plants.
12. Which crop is a legume and contributes to nitrogen fixation?
A. Corn
B. Wheat
C. Soybean
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2025|2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which nutrient is most likely to limit corn yield in Ohio soils?
A. Phosphorus
B. Potassium
C. Nitrogen
D. Sulfur
Nitrogen is the primary nutrient limiting corn growth in Ohio due to
its high demand and mobility in the soil.
2. Soil pH below 5.5 is likely to cause deficiencies of which nutrient?
A. Calcium
B. Molybdenum
C. Zinc
D. Boron
, Acidic soils limit molybdenum availability, which is critical for
nitrogen fixation and enzyme activity in plants.
3. Which of the following is considered a macronutrient for plants?
A. Iron
B. Potassium
C. Manganese
D. Zinc
Potassium is a primary macronutrient, required in large quantities
for plant growth.
4. What is the main benefit of applying cover crops in crop rotations?
A. Increase herbicide effectiveness
B. Reduce soil erosion and improve soil health
C. Increase pesticide absorption
D. Decrease soil organic matter
Cover crops protect soil from erosion, add organic matter, and
improve nutrient cycling.
5. Which type of soil has the highest water-holding capacity?
A. Sand
B. Clay
C. Silt
D. Loamy sand
Clay particles are very small and have high surface area, allowing
them to hold more water than sand or silt.
,6. What is the ideal pH range for most Ohio crops?
A. 4.5–5.5
B. 6.0–6.8
C. 5.0–5.5
D. 7.5–8.0
Most Ohio crops, including corn and soybeans, perform best in
slightly acidic to neutral soils.
7. Which method is most commonly used to determine soil nutrient
content?
A. Visual assessment
B. Soil testing
C. Foliar analysis
D. Yield monitoring
Soil testing provides quantitative data on nutrient levels and pH,
allowing for precise recommendations.
8. Which practice helps reduce nitrogen leaching in sandy soils?
A. Broadcast application in spring
B. Split application or use of slow-release fertilizers
C. Applying urea all at once
D. No-till only
Split applications and slow-release fertilizers reduce the risk of
nitrogen being leached below the root zone.
, 9. What is a common symptom of potassium deficiency in corn?
A. Purple stems
B. Chlorosis at leaf margins
C. Interveinal yellowing
D. Stunted roots only
Potassium deficiency often causes leaf margin chlorosis and necrosis
in older leaves.
10. Which of the following is a biological indicator of soil health?
A. Soil texture
B. Earthworm population
C. Soil pH
D. Bulk density
Earthworms indicate good soil structure and biological activity.
11. Which factor most affects nutrient availability in soil?
A. Color
B. pH
C. Temperature only
D. Slope
Soil pH influences nutrient solubility and uptake by plants.
12. Which crop is a legume and contributes to nitrogen fixation?
A. Corn
B. Wheat
C. Soybean
