how human activities affect soil fertility

Question 1

list the human activities which affect soil fertility

Answer 1

1) ploughing and drainage
2) fertiliser use
3) irrigation
4) soil compaction
5) PH control

Question 2

how does ploughing and drainage affect soil fertility

Answer 2

increases aerobic conditions of the soil which increases the rates of nitrogen fixation, nitrification and decomposition of dead organic matter

Question 3

how does the use of fertiliser affect soil fertility

Answer 3

• increase of soil nutrients by adding inorganic fertilizers, organic matter or by supporting natural processes such as nitrogen fixation
• decreases soil nutrients from soil erosion, biomass removal, inhibiting natural processes, leaching or soil nutrients

Question 4

how does irrigation affect soil fertility

Answer 4

• increases fertility where water is a limiting factor on growth
• sufficient water allows stomata to remain open allowing gas exchange
• dissolves nutrients that can be absorbed by plants in ionic form

Question 5

how does soil compaction affect soil fertility

Answer 5

the use of heavy machinery or high live stock densities causes soil to become compact which reduces aeration and increases likelihood of waterlogging

Question 6

how does PH control affect soil fertility

Answer 6

ensures nutrients are soluble but not too easily leached