Soil Types, Erosion, and Pest Management in Crop Production

What is the O horizon in soil profiles?

A layer mostly composed of organic matter such as decomposing leaves, varying in thickness.

What characterizes the A horizon in soil profiles?

It contains mostly minerals from parent material with organic matter incorporated, providing a good environment for plants.

What is the E horizon in soil profiles?

Leached of clay, minerals, and organic matter, it often contains a concentration of sand and silt particles.

What is the B horizon in soil profiles?

Rich in minerals that have leached down from the A or E horizons.

What is the C horizon in soil profiles?

The deposit at Earth's surface from which the soil developed, consisting of weathered rock.

What is the bedrock in relation to soil profiles?

A mass of rock such as granite or limestone that forms the parent material for some soils, located under the C horizon.

What soil order is predominant in southwestern Ontario?

Luvisolic order.

What are the three types of soil particles that determine soil texture?

Sand, silt, and clay.

How does soil texture influence agricultural practices?

It affects drainage, water holding capacity, and erosion susceptibility.

What challenges do heavy soils present?

Difficulties with drainage, tillage, and colder temperatures.

What are the consequences of acidic soils?

Hinders nutrient availability and can cause aluminum toxicity.

What is salinization?

The accumulation of salts in soil, often due to evaporation, which can damage crops.

What percentage of global agricultural land is degraded?

Approximately 40%.

What are the three main causes of soil erosion in agriculture?

Wind, water, and tillage.

Name one method to reduce soil erosion.

Practices such as reduced tillage, cover crops, or wind breaks.

What is a pest in crop production?

An organism competing with crops for resources or using crops as a resource, leading to economic loss.

What are some methods for managing pathogens in crops?

Application of fungicides, cultivar selection, crop rotation, and sanitation.

What is genetic resistance in crops?

The use of specific genes, such as Sr31 in wheat, to provide resistance against diseases.

What are some methods for weed management?

Narrower rows, high plant densities, mechanical removal, and herbicides.

What is the target of Round-Up herbicide?

EPSP synthase, an enzyme essential for synthesizing aromatic amino acids.

What is one idea to limit herbicide resistance?

Crop rotation or using the correct dose of herbicides.