Soil Resources Flashcards
What is soil?
The organic and inorganic materials on the surface of the earth that provide the medium for plant growth. Soil develops slowly over time and is composed of many different materials through the process of weathering.
What is the significance of soil?
It sustains life on earth (humans, plants, and animals), purifies water as it drains through the ground, helps recycle nutrients, and provides a home for many living things.
What is soil degradation and erosion?
Soil degradation is the lowering of the quality of soil physically and chemically. It is caused by soil erosion, which refers to the loss of topsoil.
What are the human activities that affect soil quality and availability?
Farming, construction and development, and waste disposal
How does farming affect soil quality and availability?
It positively affects soil by providing moisture and keeping soil healthy through herbicides and pesticides, but the use in tillage in farming causes direct damage to the soil, and the long term of pesticides can be harmful.
How does construction and development affect water quality and availability?
Soil quality reduces because the nutrients are washed away, making it susceptible to soil degradation. In this way, the amount of suitable soil for farming and ecosystems decrease.
How does waste disposal affect water quality and availability?
The careless disposal of hazardous material and industrial sewage causes soil pollution.
How can we conserve soil?
Forest protection, buffer strips, no till farming, fewer concrete surfaces, plant windbreak area, terrace planting, crop rotation, plant trees, water the soil, maintain ph, indigenous crops, afforestation, monitor grazing, dams, fertilizers, no soil compacting, control storm water, and monitor growth.
What is forest protection?
Trees and plants create new soil as their leaves and vegetations rot and decompose. Thus, soil quality is ensured when these forests are protected.
What is no till farming?
It allows soil to remain in place for a season, thus leaving them protected.
What are buffer strips?
It is an area of permanent vegetation used to prevent water and wind erosion. It provides protection to the soil through grass, trees, and shrubs.
What is crop rotation?
Planting a variety of crops on the same field of soil prevents nutrient depletion, soil borne diseases, and soil erosion.
What is fewer concrete surfaces?
Concrete makes it difficult for water to penetrate the soil. Instead, paving stones can be used as they can protect the soil and prevent soil erosion.
What is plant trees?
As trees are planted, their roots become secured into the soil, which protects the soil in many ways. Tree roots stabilize the soil, preventing erosion and nutrient loss. Planting trees also enhances soil’s water absorption capacity.
What is plant windbreak areas?
Windbreak areas are areas meant to slow down the force of wind over the ground. These areas are made from trees, plants, and shrubs.
