2.A - physical causes of inequality in global food security

Question 1

soil

Answer 1

soil = minerals and organic matter
farming influenced by: depth, drainage, texture, structure, PH and mineral content
loam soil = best for growth - 20% clay & 40% silt and sand
important characteristics of soil = texture, structure and nutrient supply
soil affects: time, geology, climate, relief, organisms and humans

Question 2

soil - texture

Answer 2

size of mineral particles in soil
determines ability to store nutrients
coarse textured soil are leached and acidic

Question 3

soil - structure

Answer 3

allows air, water and plant roots to penetrate soil

Question 4

soil - nutrient supply

Answer 4

soil = source of chemical elements for plants
nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium
decomposed matter and humus increases nutrient supply

Question 5

temperature and growing season

Answer 5

crops have thresholds temperatures - UK cereal crops minimum 6 degrees
cotton required 200 days and wheat 90 days to its growing season
tropical conditions are high density / production of growth - soils not fertile

Question 6

precipitation and water supply

Answer 6

annual precipitation determines growth - amount and intensity
cereals need smallest amount and fruits need most - both have thresholds
EX - India depends on annual monsoon rains

Question 7

altitude

Answer 7

increase altitude = colder, poor soil quality, increased = decrease food production
increase precipitation = leached soils

Question 8

aspect

Answer 8

slopes direction determines microclimate
Northern hemisphere = S facing = increase sunlight - warmer and dryer soils but increase growth
Northern hemisphere = N facing = decrease sunlight - colder, moist soils but little growth

Question 9

slope

Answer 9

affects rates of erosion and machinery use
impacts soil depth and drainage
steep slopes = thin soils, poorly developed and excessively drained
soils at base of slopes = waterlogged
gentle slopes = less movement of water = less erosion and leaching