Untitled Flashcards Set

What is soil erosion?

Movement of soil components, especially topsoil, from one place to another, usually by wind, flowing water, or both.

What can greatly accelerate soil erosion?

Human activities that remove vegetation from soil.

What is desertification?

Conversion of rangeland, rain-fed cropland, or irrigated cropland to desert-like land, with a drop in agricultural productivity of 10% or more.

What causes desertification?

A combination of overgrazing, soil erosion, prolonged drought, and climate change.

What is salinization?

Gradual accumulation of salts in upper soil layers that can stunt crop growth and ruin the land.

What are the effects of salinization on crops?

It can stunt crop growth, lower crop yields, and kill plants.

What is waterlogging of soil?

Saturation of soil with irrigation water or excessive precipitation leading to a rise in the water table.