Soil Multifunctionality Flashcards
1
Q
What are the main functions that soil supports?
A
- Crop and livestock production
- Water filtration and storage
- Carbon and nutrient storage and cycling
- Habitat support
- Fibre and wood
- Waste detoxification and pollution control
- Symbiotic relationships
- Climate regulation
- Disturbance regulation
- Erosion control
2
Q
How much water is used in agriculture?
A
More than 70% of available freshwater is used in agriculture.
Of this, 97% passes through soil into groundwater
3
Q
How much carbon does soil store?
A
Over 10 billion tonnes
~3.5 times the amount in the atmosphere
(Macroaggregates store the most)
4
Q
How many plants have mycorrhizal interactions?
A
80-90%
5
Q
What role do mycorrhizas play?
A
Mycorrhizal plants have a higher affinity P uptake
Hyphae holds aggregates togther, improving soil stability.
6
Q
How does soil aid in waste treatment?
A
Recovery of mobile nutrients, removal of excess compounds
7
Q
What is the impact of healthy soils on agriculture?
A
Higher yields, pest resistance, nutrient cycling
8
Q
Why are soils tilled?
A
- Prepares a fine loos soil layer for seedlings to establish
- Reduced compaction (beneficial for rooting)
- Releases nutrients by oxidation of organic matter
- Mix in nutrients / pH amendments
- Improves drainage
- Increased rate of soil warming in the spring (increases albedo)
- Buries weeds, crop residues and pathogens
