topic 5 enviro

What is soil composed of?

Mineral particles, organic material, water, air, and living organisms.

Define soil ecosystem services.

Medium for plant growth, storage of freshwater, filtration of materials, nutrient recycling, habitat for organisms, and source of raw materials.

What are soil horizons?

Layers of soil in a cross-section modified over time by organic material leaching and mineral material movement.

What is the importance of humus in soil?

Humus is decomposed plant and animal material that enriches soil fertility.

What is leaching in soil?

The process of water moving through soil, carrying away dissolved minerals.

Define translocation in soil processes.

Movement of soil particles in suspension through liquids.

What is eluviation?

The process of leaching of minerals and nutrients from upper soil layers to lower layers.

Describe illuviation.

The accumulation of leached materials in lower soil horizons.

What are the characteristics of sandy soils?

Gritty texture, good drainage, and rapid leaching.

How does clay soil differ from sandy soil?

Clay soils retain nutrients and moisture but have poor drainage.

What is the definition of monoculture?

The agricultural practice of growing a single crop species over a large area.

What does the term salinization refer to?

Increase in salt levels in soil due to evaporation.

Define soil conservation.

Practices aimed at improving soil quality and preventing erosion.

What is overgrazing?

Too many livestock graze in the same area, leading to bare soil and erosion.

Explain the role of cover crops in soil conservation.

Cover crops prevent soil erosion by covering bare soil.

Define terracing in agriculture.

Creating flat areas on sloped land to reduce runoff and erosion.

What is the process of soil formation?

Weathering of parent rock followed by organic matter accumulation.

Define intensive farming.

Farming with high input and output per area for maximum yield.

What is arable farming?

Farming that focuses on growing crops for consumption or feed.

What is pastoral farming?

Farming focused on raising livestock.

Define agri-business.

Large-scale agricultural operations integrating production, processing, and distribution.

What are the causes of soil degradation?

Overgrazing, overcropping, deforestation, and unsustainable agricultural practices.

What is the function of soil filters?

Maintain water quality by filtering pollutants and sediments.

Explain nutrient cycling within soil.

Recycling of nutrients through decomposition and organic matter addition.

What is commercial agriculture?

Large-scale farming operations aimed at profit.

Define subsistence agriculture.

Farming for self-sufficiency to grow enough food for a family.

What is the difference between extensive and intensive farming?

Extensive uses more land with lower inputs, while intensive maximizes inputs and outputs per area.

What are the main components of the soil texture triangle?

Sand, silt, and clay.

What is the role of nitrogen in soil?

Essential nutrient for plant growth, often leached out.

What does soil pH affect?

Plant nutrient availability and overall soil health.

Define agricultural sustainability.

Using farming practices that maintain environmental health and productivity.

What is crop rotation?

Growing different crops in succession to maintain soil fertility and reduce pests.

Explain the concept of urbanization in relation to soil.

Expansion of cities can reduce soil quality and contribute to erosion.

Define deforestation in the context of soil.

Removal of trees leading to soil erosion and degradation.

What is soil texture?

The size and composition of soil particles (sand, silt, clay).

Why are legumes important for soil?

They fix nitrogen in the soil, improving fertility.

What practices can reduce soil erosion?

Windbreaks, contour farming, cover crops, terracing, and reduced plowing.

What are chemical soil conditioners used for?

To improve soil structure, pH, and fertility.

What is meant by food security?

Access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to maintain a healthy life.

Define biodiversity in soils.

The variety of organisms living and interacting within soil environments.

What is the impact of irrigation on soil?

Can lead to salinization if not managed properly.

What is the purpose of soil horizons O and A?

Horizon O contains organic material, and A is enriched with organic matter.

How does urbanization impact soil fertility?

Paving and construction reduce soil permeability and increase runoff.

What are the characteristics of Loam soil?

Balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay; ideal for agriculture.

What is meant by soil profile?

A vertical section of soil showing different horizons and their characteristics.

What is the role of earthworms in soil?

Decomposing organic matter, improving soil structure and fertility.

Define soil filtration.

The process by which soil removes impurities and pollutants from water.

What is the significance of parent material in soil formation?

The mineral basis from which soil forms, influencing soil characteristics.

What are the challenges of monoculture farming?

Increased vulnerability to pests, diseases, and soil nutrient depletion.

What is soil compaction?

Utilization of heavy machinery leading to reduced pore space and water infiltration.

Describe one method for improving soil pH.

Adding lime to counteract acidity and enhance nutrient availability.

What contributes to the process of soil erosion?

Water, wind, and gravity leading to the removal of soil particles.

Why is organic matter important in soils?

Enhances soil fertility, structure, and microbial activity.

What are the effects of overcropping?

Reduced soil fertility and increased vulnerability to erosion.

What is the significance of soil biodiversity?

Supports ecosystem functions, nutrient cycling, and disease resistance.

Explain drip irrigation and its benefits.

An efficient irrigation method that reduces water loss and salinization risks.

What is the significance of soil composition?

Determines drainage, nutrient retention, and overall soil fertility.

What can be the impact of agricultural runoff?

Pollution of water bodies and loss of soil nutrients.

How does sustainable agriculture benefit soil health?

Preserves soil structure, fertility, and biodiversity for future generations.

What is soil erosion?

The removal of the top layer of soil by wind, water, or human activity, leading to loss of nutrients and soil quality.

Explain the differences between traditional agriculture and sustainable agriculture.

Traditional agriculture often emphasizes high yields and chemical inputs, while sustainable agriculture focuses on maintaining soil health, biodiversity, and ecological balance.

What are cover crops and their benefits?

Cover crops are plants grown to protect the soil during off-seasons; they improve soil fertility, prevent erosion, and increase organic matter.

What is soil permeability?

The ability of soil to transmit water and air, influenced by soil texture and structure.

Define acid rain and its effect on soil.

Acid rain results from industrial pollutants; it can degrade soil quality by leaching essential nutrients and harming soil organisms.

What are native plants and their role in soil conservation?

Native plants are species that naturally occur in a region; they help maintain soil structure, prevent erosion, and support local ecosystems.

Describe the impact of deforestation on soil health.

Deforestation leads to soil erosion, loss of nutrients, and disruption of water cycles, significantly degrading soil health.

What is drip irrigation and how does it conserve water?

Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the roots of plants in small amounts, minimizing evaporation and runoff.

What are the primary benefits of composting for soil health?

Composting recycles organic waste into nutrient-rich material, enhancing soil fertility, structure, and microbial activity.

Explain the effects of industrial agriculture on soil degradation.

Industrial agriculture often leads to overuse of chemicals, erosion, loss of organic matter, and compaction, resulting in degraded soil health.

What is soil salinity?

The presence of soluble salts in soil, which can affect plant growth and soil health.

What is soil microbiome?

The community of microorganisms living in the soil, essential for nutrient cycling and soil health.

Define soil structure.

The arrangement of soil particles and the spaces between them, which affects water movement and root growth.

What is soil degradation?

The decline in soil quality caused by improper land management practices.

Explain the importance of cover cropping in sustainable agriculture.

Cover cropping helps prevent erosion, improves soil health, and enhances biodiversity.

What are the effects of urban sprawl on agricultural land?

Urban sprawl reduces the amount of land available for agriculture, leading to potential food security issues.

What is integrated pest management (IPM)?

A sustainable approach to managing pests that combines biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools.

What is the role of mycorrhizal fungi in soil?

Mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, enhancing nutrient uptake and soil structure.

Define agroforestry.

Integrating trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes to enhance biodiversity and improve soil health.

What is the significance of biodiversity in agriculture?

Biodiversity contributes to ecosystem resilience, nutrient cycling, and pest control, thereby supporting sustainable farming.

What is the significance of soil pH levels?

Soil pH levels influence nutrient availability for plants and overall soil health.

Describe the role of soil organic matter.

Soil organic matter enhances fertility, improves soil structure, and supports microbial activity.

What are the effects of compaction on soil?

Compaction reduces pore space, water infiltration, and root growth, negatively impacting soil health.

What is the role of conservation tillage?

Conservation tillage reduces soil erosion, improves water retention, and enhances soil structure.

Explain the concept of regenerative agriculture.

Regenerative agriculture practices aim to restore and enhance soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem services.

What is the function of soil organic carbon?

Soil organic carbon plays a key role in soil fertility and structure, acting as a reservoir of nutrients and improving soil stability.

What is the significance of soil moisture content?

Soil moisture content affects plant growth, microbial activity, and nutrient availability.

What are the impacts of climate change on soil?

Climate change can alter soil moisture, nutrient availability, and organic matter content, potentially leading to increased erosion and degradation.

What is the role of soil testing?

Soil testing helps determine nutrient levels, pH, and contaminants, guiding effective soil management practices.

Explain the process of bio-remediation in soils.

Bio-remediation uses living organisms, such as microbes and plants, to remove or neutralize contaminants in the soil.

What are soil amendments?

Soil amendments are materials added to soil to improve its physical or chemical properties, enhancing fertility and structure.

What is the importance of root systems in soil health?

Root systems help anchor plants, improve soil structure, enhance nutrient uptake, and support microbial communities.

What is the role of bacteria in soil?

Bacteria in soil play vital roles in decomposition, nutrient cycling, and the formation of soil aggregates.

Define soil respiration.

Soil respiration is the process of CO2 release from soil as a result of microbial activity and root respiration.

How does compaction affect soil biology?

Compaction reduces air space and water infiltration, creating an inhospitable environment for soil organisms.

What is the role of soil erosion in environmental degradation?

Soil erosion removes the top layer of soil, leading to loss of nutrients, reduced agricultural productivity, and degradation of water quality.

What is the relationship between soil health and food security?

Healthy soil is vital for producing nutritious food and sustaining agricultural systems, directly impacting food security.

Define the term 'agricultural runoff'.

Agricultural runoff refers to water that carries fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants from agricultural lands into nearby water bodies.

What are soil conservation techniques?

Soil conservation techniques include practices like crop rotation, cover cropping, minimal tillage, and terracing to prevent soil degradation.

What does the term 'soil degradation' encompass?

Soil degradation encompasses the decline in soil quality, including loss of fertility, erosion, compaction, and contamination.

How do plants modify soil properties?

Plants modify soil properties through root growth, organic matter addition, and by altering pH and nutrient cycling.