ess topic 5!!!

Sand, silt, clay

The three main types of mineral particles that compose soil.

Nutrients

Elements essential for plant growth, including Nitrogen (N), Potassium (K), and Phosphorus (P).

Horizon O

The top layer of soil composed mainly of organic matter.

Horizon A

The layer of mineral soil mixed with organic matter.

Horizon B

The soil layer where minerals accumulate from leaching.

Horizon C

The layer composed of large unbroken rocks.

Horizon R

Parent rock layer beneath the soil profile.

Leaching

The process by which nutrients are washed out of the soil.

Medium for plant growth

Soil acts as a source of nutrients, water, and support for plants.

Filtration

Soil's ability to filter and clean water as it moves through.

Nutrient recycling

The process through which soil organisms break down organic matter and return nutrients to the soil.

Habitat for microorganisms

Soil provides an environment for various microorganisms and animals.

Eluviation

The washing out of minerals and nutrients from the topsoil.

Illuviation

The accumulation of minerals and nutrients in the subsoil.

Inputs to soil system

Components that enter the soil, such as organic matter and water.

Outputs from soil system

Components that leave the soil system, such as water and carbon dioxide.

Storages within soil system

The various forms in which nutrients and moisture are retained in soil.

Flows within soil system

The movement of materials and energy through the soil.

Subsistence farming

Farming focused on producing enough food for the farmer's family.

Commercial farming

Farming aimed at producing crops and livestock for sale.

Intensive farming

A farming system that aims to maximize yield through high inputs.

Extensive farming

A farming system that uses large areas of land with lower inputs.

Pastoral farming

A farming system primarily focused on the raising of livestock.

Arable farming

Farming that focuses on the cultivation of crops.

Agribusiness

Industries involved in the production, processing, and distribution of agricultural products.

Monoculture

The agricultural practice of growing a single crop over a wide area.

Climate's influence

How weather conditions affect farming practices and soil health.

Soil quality

The ability of soil to support plant growth and maintain environmental quality.

Water availability

The accessibility of water resources for irrigation and farming.

Pest control

Measures to manage agricultural pests that can harm crops.

Socio-economic factors

Economic and social aspects that influence farming practices and sustainability.

Political policies

Government regulations that shape agricultural practices and land use.

Technological advancements

Innovations that enhance farming efficiency and productivity.

Fertility's relationship

The connection between soil formation processes and its ability to support life.

Overgrazing

Excessive grazing by livestock that damages vegetation and soil.

Overcropping

Planting more crops than the land can sustain, leading to soil depletion.

Deforestation

The clearing of trees which can lead to soil erosion and loss of habitat.

Pesticide effects

The impact of chemical control agents on soil health and ecosystems.

Irrigation issues

Problems arising from the artificial application of water to soil.

Total removal issues

Consequences of removing all vegetation and topsoil from an area.

Plowing issues

Concerns related to the mechanical disturbance of soil that can lead to degradation.

Urbanization effects

The impact of city expansion on soil availability and health.

Soil organisms

Living entities in the soil that contribute to nutrient cycling and soil structure.

Water erosion process

Soil degradation caused by the movement of water over soil surfaces.

Wind erosion process

Soil degradation caused by the movement of soil particles by wind.

Mass movement process

The gravity-driven movement of soil and rock down slopes.

Soil conditioners

Substances added to soil to improve its physical properties.

Wind reduction function

Methods used to minimize the effects of wind on soil erosion.

Improved irrigation function

Techniques to enhance water efficiency in agricultural practices.

Cover crops function

Plants grown to protect and enhance soil during off-season periods.

Terracing function

Creating flat areas on sloped land to prevent soil erosion.

Contour farming function

Farming along the contours of the land to reduce erosion.

Crop rotation function

The practice of alternating different crops to improve soil health.

Succession

The process of ecological change in a particular area over time.

Soil fertility

The ability of soil to provide essential nutrients for plant growth.

Soil erosion

The removal of the top layer of soil by natural forces such as water and wind.

Urbanization

The process of more people living and working in urban areas.

Deforestation

The permanent removal of trees to make room for something other than forest.

Overgrazing

The grazing of too many animals on the land, leading to degradation.

Overcropping

Growing crops on a piece of land continuously without rest periods.

Soil conditioners

Materials added to soil to improve its texture and fertility.

Irrigation

Artificial application of water to soil to assist in the growing of crops.

Wind reduction

Methods implemented to decrease wind erosion effects on soil.

Cover crops

Crops planted to cover the soil and prevent erosion.

Contour Farming

A farming practice that follows the contour lines of the land.

Terracing

The practice of creating flat areas on slopes to reduce erosion.

Crop rotation

The practice of rotating different crops in the same soil.

The three main types of mineral particles that compose soil.

Sand, silt, clay