GE-CHEM 1103 Module 6 Flashcards
one of the most important elements of an ecosystem, and it contains both biotic and abiotic factors. The composition of abiotic factors is particularly important as it can impact the biotic factors, such as what kinds of plants can grow in an ecosystem.
Soil
contains air, water, and minerals as well as plant and animal matter, both living and dead
Soil
all the living and once-living things in soil, such as plants and insects
biotic factors
all nonliving things—for example, minerals, water, and air
abiotic factors
common minerals found in soil
phosphorus, and potassium and also, nitrogen gas
less common minerals
calcium, magnesium, and sulfur
typical soil consists of
45% mineral, 5% organic matter, 20-30% water, and 20-30% air
sources of land or soil pollution
- Domestic and Municipal Wastes
- Industrial and Mining Wastes
- Agricultural Wastes
- Radioactive Materials and Biological Agents
One of the main causes of land and soil pollution is the growing quantity of domestic and municipal wastes.
Domestic and Municipal Wastes
The disposal of industrial solid wastes is the major source of soil pollution by toxic chemicals
Industrial and Mining Wastes
practices also pollute the soil. According to an estimate, agricultural activities produce more than 1.8 billion tonnes of waste, each year. About three-quarters of this is manure. Much of this manure is piled in dumps where it pollutes streams and waterways. Yet, at the same time, farmers across the continent are suffering from worn-out and depleted soils.
Agricultural Wastes
wastes produced by nuclear testing laboratories and industries reach the soil and accumulate there. All the radionuclides deposited on the soil emit gamma radiations, and are harmful to soil as well as for plant growth.
Radioactive Materials
The excreta of humans, animals and birds are also a source of soil pollution by biological agents. Digested sewage sludge, which is used as manure, also causes soil pollution.
Biological Agents
a measure of the capacity of a soil to perform necessary functions
Soil quality
include providing nutrients and water to plants, filtering and cleaning water, regulating temperatures, recycling and storing nutrients, and providing habitats for organisms
Soil functions
measures the amount of CO2 released from the soil. an indicator of biological activity.
Soil respiration
It measures how fast water can infiltrate into the soil.an indicator how easily
water will infiltrate, pond, or runoff during rainfall or irrigation.
Infiltration
measures the weight of the soil per volume of soil.an indicator how well plant seedlings can emerge and how well air can circulate through the soil.
Bulk density
measures how well an electrical current travels through the soil water.an indicator of how much salt is present in the soil.
Electrical conductivity
measures the activity of hydrogen ions in soil water. an indicator of whether the soil is acidic, neutral, or basic.
pH
easures the amount of nitrate in the soil . The amount is an indicator of the
availability of the important plant nutrient- nitrogen.
Nitrate
measures the ability of soil aggregates to resist disintegration when immersed and shaken continuously in water. an indicator of how well water can infiltrate into the soil during rainfall or irrigation and how easily soil is washed off or blown away.
Aggregate stability
measures how fast soil particles disperse in water. It is an indicator of whether and how fast soil will form a slurry during rainfall or irrigation
Slaking
measures the number of earthworms in soil. It generally enhance microbial activity, soil fertility and physical properties.
Earthworm counts
It measures the force required to insert a metal rod into the soil. Resistance is an indicator of how easily roots can grow in the soil.
Penetration resistance
provides for a systematic, comprehensive and ecological waste management program to ensure the protection of public health and the environment.
RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act
