management of soil problems Flashcards
what are two processes which are very difficult and expensive to reverse?
salinisation
desertification
when are strategies to manage soil problems most effective?
when they are used to prevent soil degradation
what are the 6 ways soil problems can be managed?
efficient irrigation and drainage
cover crops
moving livestock
multiple cropping
changing soil composition
windbreaks
in terms of managing soil problems what does efficient irrigation and drainage do?
drip irrigation can be used to avoid overwatering and agricultural areas can also use methods of drainage such as underground drainage systems
runoff can be redirected:
contour ploughing
terracing
diversion channels
in terms of managing soil problems what does moving livestock do?
ground is not trampled on extensively limiting structural deterioration
avoids overgrazing so plants can keep the structure of the soil in tact
in terms of managing soil problems what does multiple cropping do?
planting more than one crop in an agricultural area to stop certain nutrients from being overexploited to maintain soil quality
in terms of managing soil problems what are cover crops?
crops planted primarily to maintain soil quality so its less vulnerable to soil issues like erosion
in terms of managing soil problems what does changing the composition of the soil do?
limits wind erosion and structural deterioration
in terms of managing soil problems what are the windbreakers? what do they do?
bushes trees or man made ones like netting to obstruct the wind
they limit wind erosion on arable land yielding higher productivity
what can happen as a result of a water surplus? what can they be controlled by?
waterlogging
water erosion
salinisation
can be controlled by controlling water levels
what is monoculture and what does it do?
one crop type
depletes certain nutrients from the soil leading to poor soil quality and structural deterioration
what does having multiple crops provide to the soil?
makes it more fertile and healthy
in terms of changing soil composition what does adding mulch to soils do?
protects small soil particles from the wind as they bind together
