Carbon Sequestering, Soil Types, & CA Water Wars Flashcards
What is carbon sequestering?
The capture and storage of CO2 from the atmosphere
Why is carbon sequestering used?
To convert CO2 into products people need
What is the use of plants in carbon sequestering?
Plants pull out more CO2 and deposits it into the soil
What are some strategies to using carbon sequestering?
Manage farms - plant cover crops, restore forests - plant trees, leave unconsumed plants/crops in soil, and add manure to expedite growth of crops
How do you achieve a net storage of carbon?
Collect and store carbon in the soil faster than it decomposes
Which type of soil is considered the “best” for growing crops?
Loam
What is a reason for soil being less permeable?
The densely packed particles of the soil
What happens when groundwater is pumped excessively out of the ground?
Crop yields could potentially decrease, instances of drought can increase, and prices of crops could increase
What is the importance of having operational aqueducts in California?
To transport water from areas where it is abundant to areas where it is not abundant
Why do farmers in California have little incentive to upgrade their irrigation technology?
The cost of the water is subsidized by the government
What would be an appropriate response from a farmer when the price of water increases?
They might invest in new irrigation technology that uses less water in hopes of reducing cost
Where is most of the water in California used in?
The Central Valley Region
Why does California have such a wide range in the amount of percipitation different parts of the state receive?
The rain shadow effect with the Sierra Nevada Mountains
Why is California important?
It’s resources and agricultural industry ($50 billion and 40% of all fruits, veggies, & nuts in the US)
Why is CA such a great place for agriculture?
Fertile soils and the climate (atmospheric circulations, ocean currents, & rain shadow effects)
