Soil Management

Question 1

Arable land

Answer 1

Low shoot biomass correlated w low soil org C
Fewer aggregates correlated w low shoot biomass (compaction)
Low water storage capacity
High bulk density

Question 2

Cycle of soil degradation

Answer 2

Intensive cultivation and low org matter inputs
Decline in soil org matter, MC and organisms
Decline in water stable macroaggregates and pores, reduced C sequestration
Soil slaking and compaction restricting root growth, nutrient losses and erosion
Poor soil struture for seedlings

Question 3

Leys

Answer 3

Higher soil quality and lower bulk density
Higher water content and storage ca[acoty
Drilling preserves soil improvements
More macroaggregates
Higher org C content and N content
Increased plant biomass
MC and earthworm presence
More yield

Question 4

Earthworms

Answer 4

Anecic: deep vertical burrows; creates pores and pulls in leaf litter; reduces soil erosion

Endogeic: transient horizontal burrows; feed on soil and make casts; promote soil aggregation and soil org C

Epigeic: live within and feed on surface litter; nutrients and org matter from litter into soil

Question 5

Soil regeneration cycle

Answer 5

Grass clover ley for 3 years
Increased root biomass, MC activity, soil organisms
Reassembly of macroaggregates and macroporosity and more C sequestration
Better soil structural stability, water and nutrient holding capacity and less leaching; crop resilience to drought and flooding
Good soil for seedling establishment
Crops grown w/ need for tillage