Understanding Soil Functions and Ecosystem Dynamics

Nitrifying bacteria

Convert ammonia into nitrates in soil.

Precipitation

Water transfer into soil from atmosphere.

Organic material

Decomposing plants and animals enriching soil.

Minerals

Elements from rocks that contribute to soil.

Soil ecosystem

Complex system of minerals, organic matter, and organisms.

Below ground biomass

Plant mass beneath soil exceeds above ground.

Water filtration

Soil filters water passing through it.

Heat storage

Soil retains and transfers heat.

Habitat

Soil provides living space for organisms.

Food source

Human food production relies on soil health.

Lithosphere

Earth's rocky outer layer.

Hydrosphere

All water bodies on Earth.

Atmosphere

Layer of gases surrounding Earth.

Biosphere

All living organisms on Earth.

Pedosphere

Soil layer interacting with other spheres.

Soil components

Includes minerals, organic matter, water, and air.

Porosity

Soil's capacity for air and water spaces.

Rock particles

Insoluble and soluble materials forming soil structure.

Humus

Decomposed organic matter enriching soil.

Soil profile

Vertical section showing layers of soil.

O-Horizon

Top layer with organic material and leaf litter.

A-Horizon

Layer where humus accumulates from decomposition.

B-Horizon

Layer with minerals and organic matter from above.

C-Horizon

Layer of weathered rock forming soil base.

R-Horizon

Bedrock layer beneath soil horizons.

Micro-organisms

Bacteria, algae, and fungi in soil ecosystem.

Macro-organisms

Larger soil organisms like earthworms and insects.

Decomposition process

Breakdown of organic matter by soil organisms.

Symbiotic relationships

Mutual benefits between plants and soil organisms.

Earthworms

Enhance soil structure and nutrient availability.

Mites

Feed on fungi, maintaining soil balance.

Slugs and Snails

Burrow through soil, enhancing fertility and mixing.

Clay

Fine soil particle, sticky and easily rolled.

Silt

Medium soil particle, slippery and cohesive.

Sand

Coarse soil particle, gritty and loose.

Loam

Ideal soil mix of sand, silt, and clay.

Soil Texture

Proportions of soil particles determining soil characteristics.

Sandy Soil

High drainage, low nutrient retention, easy to dig.

Clay Soil

Poor drainage, high nutrient retention, hard to dig.

Loam Soil

Balanced soil, retains moisture, high productivity.

Soil Sustainability

Maintaining soil health for future agricultural use.

Fertile Soil

Non-renewable resource essential for plant growth.

Soil Renewal Rate

Natural formation occurs at 0.05-0.1 mm/year.

NPK

Essential nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium.

Leaching

Loss of nutrients from soil due to water movement.

Crop Rotation

Practice of alternating crops to maintain soil health.

Organic Matter

Material from decomposed plants and animals in soil.

Drip Irrigation

Efficient watering method delivering water directly to roots.

Natural Soil Renewal Rate

Soil forms at 0.05-0.1 mm per year.

Nutrient Leaching

Loss of nutrients from soil due to water movement.

Chemical Fertiliser

Synthetic nutrients added to soil to enhance growth.

Caloric Needs

Average person requires 2,100 calories daily for health.

Under-nourished

Inadequate calorie intake for healthy living.

Malnourished

Insufficient macro and micronutrients in the diet.

Food Supply Inequality

Disparities in food production and distribution globally.

MEDC

More Economically Developed Countries with advanced agriculture.

LEDC

Less Economically Developed Countries facing agricultural challenges.

Food Storage Issues

Problems preserving food in less developed regions.

Biofuel Demand

Competition for land reducing availability for food crops.

Population Growth

Expected increase to over 9 billion by 2050.

Agricultural Production Increase

70% rise needed to meet future food demands.

Climate Change Impact

Environmental changes affecting soil and food production.

Food Loss

Food spoiled before reaching consumers or stores.

Food Waste

Edible food discarded by consumers or retailers.

Subsistence Farming

Food production for personal or local community use.

Cash Cropping

Cultivating crops primarily for sale, not consumption.

Commercial Farming

Profit-driven farming maximizing yields and outputs.

Monoculture

Cultivation of a single crop type exclusively.

Pastoral Farming

Raising livestock on unsuitable land for crops.

Arable Farming

Cultivating crops on fertile soil for direct consumption.

Mixed Farming

Combines crops and livestock in a self-sustaining system.

Extensive Farming

Low input farming over large areas with minimal technology.

High Inputs

Use of significant technology, energy, and chemicals in farming.

Intensive Farming

High input/output farming on smaller land area.

Polyculture

Cultivation of multiple crop species together.

Selective Breeding

Choosing specific traits in organisms for reproduction.

GMO

Organisms with altered genetic material for desired traits.

Food Production Inputs

Resources used in food production processes.

Food Production Outputs

Results of food production, including quality and quantity.

Soil Erosion

Loss of topsoil due to wind or water.

Desertification

Fertile land becoming desert due to mismanagement.

Eutrophication

Nutrient enrichment causing excessive plant growth in water.

Pollutants

Harmful substances released during food production.

Fossil Fuels

Energy sources contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.

Sustainability

Practices ensuring resources meet present/future needs.

Antibiotic Resistance

Bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotic treatments.

Habitat Loss

Destruction of natural environments due to agriculture.

Pesticides

Chemicals used to eliminate pests in farming.

Irrigation

Artificial application of water to assist crop growth.

Drought-resistant Crops

Plants that survive with minimal water supply.

Food Miles

Distance food travels from production to consumer.

Human Activity Alteration

Changes in behavior to improve food sustainability.

Food Labelling

Information on products to guide consumer choices.

GM Corn Varieties

Genetically modified corn for higher yields.

Sustainability Concerns

Issues like soil degradation and pollution.

Artificial Fertilisers

Synthetic nutrients like NPK for crops.

Natural Fertilisers

Organic sources like cow dung and compost.

Irrigation Water

Water supplied for crop growth, especially in dry areas.

Human Labour

Work performed by people in farming activities.

Genetically Modified Seeds

Seeds altered for improved agricultural performance.