ESS Test

Question 1

A)

Answer 1

Clay

Question 2

B)

Answer 2

Sand improves soil drainage because its particles are bigger than those of silt and clay. This feature makes it easier for surplus water to move through the soil, avoiding flooding and guaranteeing that plant roots have enough oxygen.

Question 3

C)

Answer 3

One input to the mineral storage in the “A” horizon is the decomposition of organic matter from the O horizon.

Question 4

D)

Answer 4

One output from the mineral storage in the “A” horizon is the uptake of minerals by plant roots. (soil nitrogen, soil and others.)

Question 5

E)

Answer 5

Rocks break down into smaller pieces through processes like freezing and being worn down by water and wind. The broken-down rock particles, minerals, and organic matter move through the soil.

Question 6

A2)

Answer 6

Through the incorporation of trees into agricultural systems, agroforestry encourages the preservation of forests. Compared to slash-and-burn methods, which contribute to deforestation and habitat loss, this approach to agroforestry helps preserve biodiversity, avoid soil erosion and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Question 7

B2)

Answer 7

Slash and burn agriculture may be deeply rooted in the cultural and traditional practices of the community. Changing these practices can be difficult due to resistance or reluctance to adopt new methods.

Question 8

C2)

Answer 8

The soil may have a less developed structure, fewer minerals, and less stability during the pioneer stages. This is because of the fire just recently damaging the earth, leaving little time for the growth of stale soil structure. A climax ecosystem, on the other hand, has a highly developed soil structure with well-formed sediments that provide better root absorption and drainage. Therefore, the soil may have a lower organic matter content due to the fire and the lack of established vegetation.

Question 9

D2)

Answer 9

Building contour lines is one method farmers use to reduce soil erosion on steep slopes. Trenches are constructed parallel to the slopes’s contour, by doing this it decreases the waters’s erosive force and increases the amount of water that seeps into the soil, they aid in slowing down the flow of water across the slope.

Question 10

A3)

Answer 10

The health and sustainability of ecosystems are shaped by a complex web of interactions between soil fertility, primary productivity, and human activity. Primary productivity describes the rate at which organic compounds are produced by photosynthesis in plants, Since it indicates the quantity of biomass generated in an ecosystem, it is a crucial indicator of the health of that ecosystem. The health of ecosystems as a whole, primary productivity, and soil fertility are all significantly impacted by human activity. Agriculture is one of the main ways that human activity affects soil fertility. Intensive farming methods, like monoculture farming and high fertiliser and pesticide use, can cause nutrient depletion, erosion, and other problems with the soil.