Agroforestry Systems in the Colombian Amazon

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to agroforestry systems and soil ecosystem services in the Colombian Amazon.

Agroforestry

A land use management system that combines agriculture and forestry practices to create environmental benefits.

Ecosystem Services

The benefits humans derive from ecosystems, such as nutrient cycling and water filtration.

Sylvopastoral Systems

Integrated systems that combine forestry, pasture, and livestock management to enhance ecosystem services.

Soil Macroinvertebrates

Large invertebrates in the soil, such as earthworms and beetles, which play a role in soil health and ecology.

Macroaggregates

Larger clusters of soil particles formed by various factors, helping to maintain soil structure and aeration.

Soil Hydrological Properties

Characteristics of soil that affect water movement, retention, and availability, such as porosity and permeability.

Chemical Soil Properties

The chemical characteristics of soil that influence plant growth, including pH, nutrient content, and organic matter.

General Indicator of Soil Quality (GISQ)

A composite index that assesses the overall quality of soils based on multiple soil properties and indicators.

Deforestation

The clearing of forested land, which can lead to soil degradation and loss of biodiversity.

Biotic and Abiotic Interactions

The relationships between living organisms (biotic) and their non-living environment (abiotic) that affect ecosystem functioning.