Ch. 1 Ecosystem services of Soils

Question 1

What is an ecosystem?

Answer 1

An ecosystem is a geographic area consisting of a dynamic interaction between biotic and abiotic factors all interacting as a FUNCTIONAL UNIT.

Question 2

Why is soil health so important especially in Canada?

Answer 2

It takes 1000 years for 2-3 cm of soil to form. It would take longer in Canada because the ground is frozen for half of the year and soil formation stops then.

Question 3

What percent of the earth’s soil is degraded?

Answer 3

33% of the earth’s soil is already degraded, and 90% could be degraded by 2050.

Question 4

Where does soil degradation happen?

Answer 4

Soil degradation and loss happen in every region due to climate change and extreme weather events (floods, drought, fires, etc.) and misread outcomes of soil management practices (false information).

Question 5

How much Canadian land is prime agricultural land?

Answer 5

Only about 7%

Question 6

What 4 ecosystem services are provided by the soil?

Answer 6

1. Cultural services: Non-material benefits derived from soil. Smell of rain example.
2. Provisioning: food, raw materials, etc.
3. Regulating:
   -Sink and source of
   greenhouse gasses
   
   • Water cycling
   • Nutrient cycling
   • Biological control for pests
     and diseases
   • Detoxification
4. Supporting: Soil formation is an example of a supporting service that must take place to support all other economic services