Structural Deterioration Of Soils

Question 1

What is soil texture?

Answer 1

The proportion of sand and silt and clay which influences the characteristics of workability

Question 2

What do farmers need to understand?

Answer 2

The difference between soil texture and structure

Question 3

Example of difference between soil texture and structure?

Answer 3

Clay soil with a crumbly structure can be easy for air water and roots to move through but that same structure can be almost impenetrable if its texture has been destroyed

Question 4

Causes of soil degradation?

Answer 4

• removal of natural vegetation
• deep ploughing
• removal of hedges
• salinisation
• waterlogging

Question 5

Methods to prevent soil degradation?

Answer 5

• contour ploughing
• cover crops
• afforestation
• controlled grazing
• improve drainage