Soil Degradation quiz

best management practice

Processes and techniques used to help the effectiveness of something. Trying to minimize the runoff/erosion caused by water. 

wind break

set of trees/native vegetation that prevents/ redirects winds from hitting crops

buffer strips

a strip of vegetation around streams that consists of trees or grass to help intercept runoff, slow erosion, and filter pollutants.

terracing 

a method of farming where you make slopes into steps. It helps to reduce erosion. 

Convergent flow paths

contours where flowpaths/streams come together

Divergent flow paths

points in the flowpaths where water spreads apart. Typically good areas for farming.

soil hydrologic groups 

letters that classify soils based on their potential for runoff. A-D. A is lowest runoff, D is highest runoff. 

Soil erodibility factor

a measure of the soils susceptibility to erosion. Ranges from 0-1. Higher the number the more erodible the soil is.

Rill erosion

erosion where runoff cuts small, shallow channels into the soils

Eolian erosion 

The process of wind erosion 

Sheet erosion

the uniform removal of soil in thin layers caused by rainfall and runoff. Large amounts of sediment come down a hill.

Gully erosion

a type of erosion when water carves deep, steep sided trenches into the land

Streambank erosion 

Erosion that occurs in the stream its self. specifically around the edges. 

What are the 4 types of degredation and what causes each

water erosion: Occurs from heavy rainfall and runoff, forming sheet, rill, gully erosion. This degrades soils because it removes the fertile topsoil from the land. 

Wind erosion: Happens when strong winds blow away loose topsoil, especially in dry, bare fields.

Chemical degradation: includes using chemicals that changes the nutrient depletion, acidification, and salinization 

Physical degradation: includes erosion and compaction of the soils  through heavy machines or animals. Can cause increase in rinoff, decrease infiltration, prevent plant growth, etc.

What are the variables that impact Soil erosion and how can they be addressed with best management practices?

Eolian erosion: this can be addressed by creating wind breaks. Planting trees/other vegetation will help reduce the wind in certain areas 

water erosion: to help with water erosion you can create buffers and terracing to help reduce the erosion of your soils. 

How does precision farming techniques lead towards sustainability

using gps/drones to do precision farming it allows the farmer to know specifically what areas need more water or nutrients. This will help conserve on water and also reduce the use of chemicals and nutrients needed.