Biosphere Flashcards
Describe a brown earth soil profile
AO: Abundant leaf litter from decidous trees. Mull humus; dark brown, mildly acidic.
A: Prescence of soil biota (worms) means mixing of soil creating indistinct horizons. They also aerate the soil limiting leaching of iron/aluminum, reflecting the low rainfall.
B: Darker, Upward movement of water by capillary action encourages mixing of soil, Vegetation has long roots to access water and nutrients below the surface.
C: Weathered parent material such as boulder clay.
Found in temperate climates.
Describe a podzol soil profile
AO: Layers of needles and cones from coniferous trees and plants such as pine trees and heather. Thick black acidic Mor humus as humification is slow.
A: Zone of elluviation where materials are leached out, ash grey with sandy texture, vegetation has shallow roots, clearly defined horizons due to lack of soil biota.
B: Iron pan forms when iron is rediposited and cemetnts together (zone of illuviation), Iron pan limits drainage and encourages gleying, red dark brown layer with denser texture.
C: Parent material such as fluvioglacial sands or till.
Found in cold and wet climates, shallow soil as weathering rates are low.
Name the commercial uses of brown earth soil
Given the deep nature of these soils, their free drainage and often high levels of natural fertility, brown soils are often cultivated.
These soils at lower levels are often cultivated for fodder crops or support the better quality grassland.
Name the commercial uses for podzol soil
Podzols are generally infertile and are physically limiting soils for productive use so when they are used for arable cropping long-term, fertilisation is required. They are also used for rough grazing and for forestry or recreation.
Name the source and production method for biodiesel
Produced from straight vegetable oil, animal oil/fats, tallow and waste cooking oil. The process used to convert these oils to Biodiesel is called transesterification.
Name 2 advantages and disadvantages of biodiesel
- Burns cleaner than diesel, produces less CO2.
- Produces less energy than diesel, more corrosive to engine parts
Name the source and production method of bioethanol
Most is produced from starch, wheat, corn or sugar cane through fermentation
Name an advantage and disadvantage of Bioethanol
- Can be derived from a wide range of crops.
- Highly corrosive
Name the source of biomethanol
Waste products from the forestry and industrial sector
Name 2 advantages and disadvantages of biomethanol
- Less expenisve to produce and lowers carbon footprint
- Produces less energy and has corrosive properties
Name the source and production method of bio-crude oil
Liquefaction of biomass using high tempeatures
Name an advantage and disadvantage of bio-crude oil
- It could potentially produce up to 10x more energy per acre than diesel.
- The process of producing it is expensive
