How human activities impact soil fertility Flashcards
What are 5 human activities that affects soil fertility
- Aeration by ploughing & drainage
- Soil nutrient levels
- Irrigation
- Soil compaction
- pH control
How does aeration by ploughing and drainage affect soil fertility
Ploughing and drainage makes soils more aerobic which increases nitrogen fixation, nitrification, denitrification & decomposition of DOM
How does soil nutrient levels affect soil fertility
Farming increases soil nutrient levels by using inorganic fertilisers
How does irrigation affect soil fertility
Increases soil fertility where water is a limiting factor on growth
How does soil compaction affect soil fertility
Compaction of soil reduces aeration and makes waterlogging more likely especially when the soil is wet.
What human activities cause soil compaction
- Excess use of heavy machinery
- High densities of livestock
How does pH control affect soil fertility
Helps to ensure nutrients are soluble but not easily leached
