Chapter 15 Vocab #3 Adam Farid

Question 0

No-tillage

Answer 0

Type of conservation tillage that leaves the soil un disturbed over winters

Question 1

Conservation Tillage

Answer 1

Method of cultivation in which residues from previous crops are left in the soil, partially covering it and helping to hold it in place until the newly planted seeds are established

Question 2

Why is no-tillage good for farmers?

Answer 2

They save on fuel costs, machinery wear and tear, and labor time when they don’t plow their land.

Question 3

Crop Rotation

Answer 3

Planting of a series of different crops in the same field over a period of years

Question 4

What is an example of a typical crop rotation?

Answer 4

Corn —> soybeans —> oats —> alfalfa

Soybeans and alfalfa both provides nutrients for the other crops because of their association with bacteria that fixes atmospheric nitrogen into the soil

Question 5

What are methods to help control erosion of farmland with varying topography?

Answer 5

Contour plowing, strip cropping, and terracing help.

Hilly terrain has to be cultivated with care because it is more prone to soil erosion.

Question 6

Contour plowing

Answer 6

Plowing that matches the topography

If it is a hill, the plowing will be n loops around the hill

Not straight lines

Question 7

Strip cropping

Answer 7

Type of contour plowing, alternating strips of differing crops along natural contours

Helps reduce soil erosion

Good for erosion control when done with conservation tillage

Question 8

Terracing

Answer 8

Reduces soil erosion for plowing on steep hills by leveling out the area

Brings nutrients minerals to horizontal areas so they can’t be washed away

Question 9

Organic fertilizer

Answer 9

Include such natural materials as animal manure, crop resides, bone meal, and compost

One of the main fertilizer types, chemically complex, compositions vary, available to plants when materials decompose, slow and long-lasting

Question 10

Commercial inorganic fertilizer

Answer 10

One of the main types of fertilizer, manufactured from chemical compounds, compositions are known, immediately available to plants, quickly leach away

Question 11

Mulch

Answer 11

Placed on the surface of soil around base of plants to help control weed and increases water amounts by reducing evaporation

Question 12

Shelterbelt

Answer 12

Row of trees planted as a windbreak to reduce soil erosion of agricultural land

Question 13

Agroforestry

Answer 13

Concurrent use of forestry and agricultural techniques on the same land area to improve degraded soil and offer economic benefits

Question 14

Hugh H. Bennett

Answer 14

Soil scientist in the U.S. department of Agriculture spoke out about danger of soil erosion during 1920’s and 1930’s

Question 15

The Soil Conservation Act of 1935

Answer 15

Authorized the formation of the Soil Conservation service

Mission is to work with citizens to conserve natural resources on private lands

Creates policies to improve and sustain soil resources

Question 16

The food security act of 1985 (Farm Bill)

Answer 16

Contained provisions for two main soil conservation programs that helped encourage or force farmers to preserve soil and prevent erosion

Question 17

The Conservation Reserve Program

Answer 17

Voluntary subsidy program that pays farmers to stop producing crops on highly erodible farmland