Soil Systems and Terrestrial Food Production Systems

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards based on soil systems and terrestrial food production, essential for exam preparation.

Soil System

A dynamic ecosystem with inputs, outputs, storages, and flows.

Soil Profile

A layered structure of soil that illustrates the soil system.

Primary Productivity

The rate at which plants and other producers create organic material in the ecosystem.

Leaching

The process by which minerals dissolved in water move through soil.

Organic Matter

Material that comes from the remains of living organisms and is a key component of soil.

Soil Texture Triangle

A diagram used for soil type classification based on the percentages of sand, silt, and clay.

Food Production Systems

Methods and practices through which food is produced, influenced by sociopolitical, economic, and ecological factors.

Sustainability in Food Production

The ability of food production systems to be maintained long-term without harming the environment.

Food Waste

The discarding of food that is safe for consumption, which occurs for various reasons in different economies.

Soil Conservation Strategies

Methods used to preserve soil fertility and reduce soil erosion.

Succession

The process by which soil ecosystems change over time, leading to the development of fertile soils.

Nutrient Cycling

The movement and exchange of organic and inorganic matter back into the production of living matter.

Commercial Farming

Large-scale agricultural production that typically uses mechanization and industrial methods.

Subsistence Farming

Small-scale farming that focuses on growing enough food to feed the farmer's family.

Soil Fertility

The ability of soil to sustain plant growth by providing essential nutrients.

Erosion

The wearing away of the topsoil, which can lead to decreased soil fertility.

Terrestrial Ecosystems

Land-based ecosystems that include a diverse range of habitats and biodiversity.

Pollinators

Organisms such as bees and butterflies that facilitate the reproduction of flowering plants.

Cultural Influences

The ways in which culture affects food production choices and practices.