SSC2601_

Soil forming processes include additions, transformations, translocations, and __________.

losses.

In soil formation, the process of __________ refers to the movement of material within the same soil profile.

translocation.

The primary factors influencing soil formation are climate, parent material, __________, living organisms, and time.

topography.

In soil classification, climactic zone refers to the __________ that significantly influence soil properties.

climate.

Soil classification: A Taxonomic System for South Africa was published as the ________ edition.

Blue Book.

The __________ horizon is a typical mineral subsoil horizon, characterized by accumulated materials from above horizons.

B.

Red or yellow mottles in soil indicate a __________ water table condition influenced by seasonal fluctuations.

fluctuating.

Soils with high clay content tend to exhibit __________ characteristics, which affect drainage and aeration.

poor.

The pedocutanic B horizon is characterized by moderately to strongly developed __________ structure.

blocky.

Soils developed from dolerite are typically __________ and fertile due to the presence of base-rich minerals.

clayey.

In the taxonomic system, __________ refers to the layer of unconsolidated material that has not undergone significant soil formation.

C horizon.

The __________ horizon has undergone significant depletion of leached materials, resulting in a lighter color compared to the A horizon.

E.

Yellow-brown and red apedal B horizons are both classified as __________ in soil form classification.

non-calcareous.

Hydraulic __________ refers to the flow rate of water in soil, which is crucial for irrigation efficiency.

conductivity.

Soils that contain high levels of sodium are described as __________ and may suffer significant structural issues.

sodic.

In land suitability evaluation, factors such as climate, soil, and management relate to __________ factors.

natural resource.

The __________ approach requires evaluating both the properties of the land and the needs of the land users.

multidisciplinary.

The capacity of soil to retain water is referred to as its plant-available __________.

water capacity.

The process of __________ involves determining the aspects of a land unit that evaluate its capacity for specific uses.

land suitability evaluation.

Evapotranspiration combines the processes of __________ and transpiration that affect water availability for crops.

evaporation.

Runoff occurs when the rate of water application exceeds the soil's __________ capacity.

infiltration.

Permanent wilting point in soils indicates the level of moisture at which plants can no longer extract water and __________.

wilt.

Soils with a high organic matter content are often associated with darker colored __________ horizons.

A.

High clay content in the B horizon typically indicates __________ potential for crop production, due to its structure.

poor.

The __________ system allows for precise water delivery to crops and is essential for efficient irrigation management.

drip.

Soil that has developed from volcanic rock is considered to be __________ material in regards to soil classification.

igneous.

Salinity is a measure of salt concentration in soil or water that can severely affect __________ health in irrigation contexts.

plant.

Land capability classification primarily focuses on evaluating land based on its __________ for various uses.

limitations.

Evaporation rates are influenced by factors such as temperature, __________, and wind speed.

humidity.

The __________ indicator reflects moisture conditions in soils and informs irrigation scheduling practices.

first material stress.

Soil crusting occurs primarily due to physical disaggregation and __________ of the soil surface.

chemical dispersion.

The __________ horizon is characterized by its sticky consistency and indicates prolonged wetness in soil profiles.

G.

In South Africa, the dominant soil forming factor that often serves as a basis for evaluating soils is __________.

climate.

Translocation in soils describes the __________ of material from one horizon to another within the soil profile.

movement.

In South Africa, irrigation is particularly significant due to the country's water __________ and the need for efficient water use.

scarcity.

The __________ horizon is often characterized by slickensides, indicating movement due to swelling and shrinking processes.

vertic A.

Primary minerals are transformed into secondary clay minerals through the process of __________.

weathering.

Soil formation is a gradual process that requires significant __________ across different environmental conditions.

time.

Ground cover by vegetation reduces the __________ energy impacting soil and minimizes surface runoff.

raindrop.

Assessing soil health often includes evaluating factors such as __________ saturation, acidity, and microbial activity.

base.

The term __________ refers to the presence of hard layers such as duripans or hardpans that may impede root growth.

hardpan.

Mulching is an effective technique for reducing __________ and enhancing moisture conservation in soils under irrigation.

evaporation.

Impermeable layers in soils can fracture and lead to __________ when they are in a saturated condition.

waterlogging.

Under humid conditions, soils often develop significant levels of __________ due to leaching of bases.

acidity.

Nutrient cycling in agricultural systems is influenced significantly by the __________ of organic materials into the soil.

decomposition.

The __________ horizon can retain large amounts of water, providing crops with necessary moisture during dry periods.

soft plinthic B.

In land suitability evaluation, socio-economic considerations include the __________ of farmers and community needs.

preferences.

Geology significantly influences soil properties, affecting factors such as __________, material availability, and nutrient composition.

fertility.

Irrigation systems must be adapted to local soil __________ and climate characteristics to ensure effective water management.

conditions.

Factors influencing __________ include the type of irrigation system employed and the management practices utilized.

water use efficiency.

Evapotranspiration is the combined water loss through __________ and transpiration from plant foliage.

evaporation.

Irrigation scheduling primarily aims to optimize the timing and amount of __________ to prevent water stress in crops.

irrigation.

Soil families in the taxonomic classification system are often distinguished by their __________ properties.

diagnostic.

Hardpan soils typically restrict __________ growth and can lead to significant challenges in land productivity.

root.

Soil classification systems in South Africa include both __________ and technical classifications to fit local agricultural practices.

taxonomic.

Comprehensive soil maps take into account not only soil parameters but also __________ conditions such as erosion and compaction.

topographic.

Irrigation water quality must be analyzed for factors like salinity and __________ to ensure safety and effectiveness for crop growth.

toxicity.

Land evaluation must consider both __________ factors and the economic viability of proposed land uses.

biophysical.

Knowledge of soil __________ is essential for understanding how to manage irrigation effectively and sustainably.

properties.

The term used to indicate soil quality assessments in South Africa is __________ evaluation.

land suitability.

Land suitability evaluations must be backed by thorough __________, ensuring an adequate comparison of land use options.

research.

The classification of soils in an area should involve __________ discussions with local farmers and land users to align with their practices.

consultative.

Successfully implementing irrigation systems requires understanding the __________ relationships between soil, plant, and water dynamics.

integrated.

Effective moisture management in agriculture emphasizes the significance of measuring plant __________ to mitigate water stress.

water potential.

Field capacity is a pivotal indicator of soil water availability, impacting decisions on __________ during peak demand periods.

irrigation.

Understanding the soil-water relationship is vital for developing effective __________ strategies in agriculture, especially regarding irrigation.

management.

Effective land use planning must prioritize both __________ inputs and the sustainability of agricultural practices and resources.

economic.

What is soil pH?

Soil pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of the soil.

What is soil texture?

Soil texture refers to the proportion of sand, silt, and clay in the soil.

What is the purpose of soil conservation?

Soil conservation aims to prevent soil erosion and degradation.

What is organic matter in soil?

Organic matter includes decomposed plant and animal residues that improve soil health.

What does soil fertility refer to?

Soil fertility is the ability of the soil to provide essential nutrients for plant growth.

What is the difference between a loamy and sandy soil?

Loamy soil balances sand, silt, and clay, while sandy soil has a high proportion of sand.

What role do earthworms play in soil?

Earthworms aerate the soil and improve its structure by creating channels.

What is composting?

Composting is the process of recycling organic waste into nutrient-rich soil amendment.

What is salinity in soil?

Salinity refers to the concentration of salts in the soil, which can affect plant growth.

Define soil erosion.

Soil erosion is the removal of the topsoil layer by wind, water, or human activity.

What is the main function of soil?

Soil provides a medium for plant root growth, water retention, and nutrient cycling.

What are primary nutrients for plants?

Primary nutrients are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

What is cover cropping?

Cover cropping involves planting crops to cover the soil and prevent erosion.

What are the benefits of using mulch?

Mulch reduces evaporation, suppresses weeds, and improves soil temperature.

What is sustainable agriculture?

Sustainable agriculture aims to meet current food needs without compromising future resources.

What are macronutrients?

Macronutrients are nutrients required in larger quantities, such as nitrogen and phosphorus.

What is crop rotation?

Crop rotation is the practice of alternating different crops in a specific sequence to improve soil health.

What is the soil profile?

The soil profile is a vertical section of soil that shows different layers or horizons.

What impacts soil drainage?

Soil texture, structure, and organic matter content affect soil drainage.

What is land degradation?

Land degradation is the decline in land productivity due to human actions or natural processes.

What is no-till farming?

No-till farming minimizes soil disturbance by planting crops without tilling the soil.

What is soil compaction?

Soil compaction occurs when soil particles are pressed together, reducing porosity and aeration.

What does 'drainage' refer to in soil management?

Drainage is the process of removing excess water from soil to prevent waterlogging.

What is soil testing?

Soil testing analyzes soil samples to determine nutrient content and pH level.

What are legumes?

Legumes are plants that can fix nitrogen in the soil, improving fertility.

What is the effect of organic farming on soil health?

Organic farming enhances soil health by increasing organic matter and microbial activity.

What are soil amendments?

Soil amendments are materials added to improve soil structure and nutrient content.

What does the term 'permeability' refer to in soil?

Permeability is the ability of soil to transmit water and air.

What is soil structure?

Soil structure describes the arrangement of soil particles into aggregates or clumps.

What does leaching mean in soils?

Leaching is the process where soluble nutrients wash away from the soil due to water movement.

What is the best practice for irrigation?

The best practice for irrigation is to apply water efficiently and at appropriate times.

What are the consequences of over-fertilization?

Over-fertilization can lead to nutrient runoff, soil acidification, and water pollution.

What is 'hydrophobic soil'?

Hydrophobic soil has a water-repellent condition that impedes water infiltration.