6. A volcanic eruption covers a wide area of forest
with ash, lava, and volcanic rock. Which of these
describes the first stage of ecological succession that
will begin to return biotic factors back to the forest
community and return it to a state of equilibrium?
A. The volcano stops erupting.
B. The lava cools to form rock.
C. Lichens grow on the rocks.
D. The rocks melt back into lava.

1: most common garden plants prefer loam — soils with a balance of different-sized mineral particles (approximately 40% sand, 40% silt, and 20% clay) with ample organic matter and pore space. however, some plants grow better in sandy soils, while others are well-adapted to clay soils.

2: available water capacity is the maximum amount of plant available water a soil can provide. it is an indicator of a soil's ability to retain water and make it sufficiently available for plant use. available water capacity is the water held in soil between its field capacity and permanent wilting point.

3: it is the same for all living things (plants and animals). it also includes very tiny organisms that our eyes cannot see. they are known as microorganisms, and include viruses, bacteria and fungi.