Farming and natural ressources

Question 1

abiotic factors

Answer 1

a non-living part of an ecosystem that shapes its environment

Question 2

light intensity

Answer 2

photosynthesis, flowering, leaf colour

Question 3

soil nutrient

Answer 3

macronutrient: nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium

micronutrient: iron, zinc,…

a nutrient deficiency can lead to poor plant growth, reduced yield and poor health

Question 4

water availability

Answer 4

water stress can be in excess due to waterlogging, and in deficit due to droughts

Question 5

temperature

Answer 5

each plant species has its range of temperatures for optimal growth

Question 6

ph levels

Answer 6

can affect the chemical form of the nutrients in the soil, which influences their availability for plants

optimal ph is between 6 and 7.5

Question 7

salinity

Answer 7

high level of soluble salts in the soil can lead to:
- inhibited plant growth
- reduced crop yield
- plant death

Question 8

soil texture

Answer 8

1) clay soils: fine, high retention
2) sands: corse, low retention
3) loam: balanced mix, combined properties

Question 9

ph affecting soil nutrients

Answer 9

1) in acidic soil:
- macronutrients become less available
- micronutrients become more available

2) in alkaline soil:
- some nutrients become less available
- some plants will have problems taking up nutrients

3) in neutral soil:
- almost all nutrients are available
- 6.5 to 7.5

Question 10

ph regulation

Answer 10

1) lime application:
- raise ph of acidic soil
- the amount is dependent on pH level, soil structure and pH goal

2) sulfur application:
- lowers pH of alkaline soil
- sulfur reacts with the soil minerals and releases hydrogen ions

3) organic matter application:
- acts as a pH buffer and improves soil structure
- specific organic matter lowers the pH over time

Question 11

percolation

Answer 11

downward water movement which occurs after infiltration. Influenced by soil texture, structure and gravity.

Question 12

capillary action

Answer 12

the water movement that occurs due to
adhesive and cohesive properties, as well as the small pores, facilitating water distribution.

Question 13

vaporisation

Answer 13

the water loss mechanism from the soil to the atmosphere, it is influenced by temperature and humidity

Question 14

saturated

Answer 14

water goes through all the pores of the soil, filling them all. It happens due to the
gravitational force

Question 15

unsaturated

Answer 15

Water fills up micropores, as the macropores are filled completely with air. This
happens due to the surface tension

Question 16

vapour

Answer 16

water in vaporise form, goes through the pores filled with air, due to the vapour pressure gradient

Question 17

transpiration (light)

Answer 17

more light = more opened stomata

Question 18

transpiration (temperature)

Answer 18

• goes up with temperature
• but at a certain level, it’s constant

Question 19

transpiration (humidity)

Answer 19

the higher the humidity = the lower the rate of transpiration

Question 20

transpiration (wind)

Answer 20

the transpiration rate increases proportionally with the velocity of the wind

Question 21

CO2 fertilization effect

Answer 21

high level of CO2 speeds up photosynthesis and increases productivity

Question 22

relative humidity

Answer 22

also known as saturation

(water in air) / (water air could hold)

Question 23

specific humidity

Answer 23

also known as moisture content

(water vapour) / (total water vapour + air content)