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ESS SL > Unit 5 (Kognity only) > Flashcards

Unit 5 (Kognity only) Flashcards

1
Q

Why is soul vital for human wellbeing?

A

Required for food production, essential in the nutrient cycle, carbon sink, filters water

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2
Q

Soil contains

A

Micro-organisms of bacteria and fungi

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3
Q

Loss of vegetation results in

A

Soil surface to be exposed allowing it to be swept away by wind and water

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4
Q

Soil loss and degradation affects

A

Globally to both developed and developing countries

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5
Q

Souls are important since….

A

They provide a medium for plants to anchor themselves, they recycle matter, and are integral to nutrient cycles such as the nitrogen and carbon cycle

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6
Q

Ecological succession occurs….

A

Over time and results in changes to the soil fertility

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7
Q

Soil is considered to be

A

A non-renewable resource although it is constantly formed

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8
Q

Fertile souls provide

A

The conditions required for seed germination and growth

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9
Q

Soils which provide a good growing medium for plants contain:

A

Organic matter, nutrients and minerals, sustainable pH level (close to neutral)

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10
Q

Ideal pH for soil

A

Close to neural (5.5-7.5). It affects availability of nutrients and minerals for plant uptake. If too acidic, it will release toxic aluminium ions

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11
Q

Soil nutrients

A

Nitrates, phosphates, potassium compounds

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12
Q

Soil minerals

A

Sulphur, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, boron, copper, zinc, and molybdenum compounds

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13
Q

A healthy soil community

A

Breaks down organic matter and returns nutrients back to the soil

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14
Q

Organic matter provides for soil…

A

Moisture holding capacity, and good structure

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15
Q

Good soil structure provides

A

Sufficient drainage to prevent water logging

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16
Q

The climax community and associated soil ecosystem will

A

Vary within places depending on climate and bedrock

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17
Q

Primary succession involves:

A

The development of a community from bare rock with no soil to a climax community with mature soil that contains organic matter and processes good water, nutrient retention capacity, and good structure

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18
Q

Step 1 of soil succession process

A

Bone rock is exposed die to a disturbance, no soil is present (retreating glacier or organic eruption etc)

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19
Q

Step 2 of soil succession process

A

Pioneer species like lichens and mosses establish themselves in the rock substrate

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20
Q

Substrate

A

Underlying substance or layer, the surface or material on or from which an organism lives, grows or obtains it’s nourishment.

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21
Q

Step 3 of soil succession process

A

Pioneer species die and decay providing soil and nutrients for other plant species like shrubs and small trees

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22
Q

Pioneer species

A

species first to colonise disrupted or damaged ecosystems, beginning a chain of succession that leads to a more biodiverse steady-state ecosystem

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23
Q

Step 4 of soil succession process

A

Small and large trees begin to grow and the community reaches an equilibrium or balance, resulting in a climax community

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24
Q

Biological activity within the soil contributes to

A

Mineralisation of feed organic matter (waste matter / dead organisms) which increases nutrient levels

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25
Q

The decomposition process involves

A

Invertebrates such as earthworms and woodlice, fungi and bacteria

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26
Q

Invertebrates such as earthworks and woodlice

A

Mix some organic matter into the soil making it available to other organisms including residential bacteria and fungi. This also aerated the soil. They also feed off and digest the organic matter resulting waste products are further broken down by bacteria

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27
Q

Fungi and bacteria

A

Break the organic matter down and release them into the soil

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28
Q

Nitrogen fixing bacteria…

A

Absorbs nitrogen gas from air and transforms it into nitrites (nitrogen cycle)

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29
Q

Soil fertility is enhanced by….

A

Fertilisers which increase soil nutrient levels

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30
Q

Rate of soil formation

A

The FAO estimate that it takes around 1000 years to develop 5cm, depending on the location and climate

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31
Q

Ideal conditions for soil formation

A

Sunny, warm, and wet where there is maximum plant growth. This contributes to high levels of plant litter and other dead organic matter to break down.

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32
Q

NON ideal conditions for soil formation

A

Soil formation is slow under cold and/or dry conditions which is where formation mag occur at 1mm per 1000 years

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33
Q

The rate of global soil degradation is

A

Much faster than the rate of soil formation

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34
Q

Soil is considered non renewable because

A

It is not replaceable within a human lifespan or at a pace faster than at which it is used

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35
Q

For soil to be sustainable

A

We must reduce loss and degradation rate and improve formation rates

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36
Q

A 3rd of the world’s soils

A

Are degraded. The majority of global degradation is caused by erosion

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37
Q

Process involved with soil loss and degradation

A

Water erosion, wind erosion, chemical degradation (salinisation, acidification, nutrient depletion, and chemical pollution), physical degradation (soil compaction)

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38
Q

Erosion

A

Solid particles transported from one place to another by water or wind, removing the fertile top soil.

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39
Q

The loss of organic matter….

A

Leads to a reduction in water retention capacity

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40
Q

If eroded soil enters watercourses….

A

Sediment can clog up ditches, reduce the capacity of water courses and increase risk of flooding. Soil particles rich in nutrients and pesticides cause water pollution

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41
Q

Negative of removing sediment

A

Removing this sediment by dredging is an expensive process.

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42
Q

3 phases of water erosion

A

Detachment, transport, deposition

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43
Q

Water erosion - detachment

A

When raindrops hit soil, it frees some soil particles, then run off detaches more soil particles as it flows

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44
Q

Water erosion- transport

A

The flow of the water carries the soil particles

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45
Q

Water erosion - deposition

A

When the water slows down, the particles are deposited

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46
Q

Types of soil erosion occur….

A

As a consequence of the action of water including sheet erosion, till erosion, and gully erosion

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47
Q

Areas most vulnerable to wind erosion

A

Dry regions with exposed soil surfaces since the wind picks up the soil and carries it through the air. Light and lose particles (eg: sand) are more easily picked up.

48
Q

Wind velocity increases

A

Along large and flat areas making large open areas more vulnerable than small areas with trees and shrubs that provide soil coverage and act as wind breaks

49
Q

Further impacts of wind erosion include:

A

Soil particles damaging plants within their wind path, reduce visibility and can cause build up of soil deposits on roads and surfaces

50
Q

Chemical degradation (soil fertility reduction) methods

A

Salinisation, acidification, nutrient depletion, chemical pollution

51
Q

Chemical degradation - salinisation

A

Occurs when water evaporates and leaves salt, the salt accumulates and soil becomes saline. Fruit and vegetables can’t grow in saline soil. This issue is most severe in arid and heavy irrigated areas due to high evaporation levels

52
Q

Chemical degradation- Acidification

A

Occurs with an increase in hydrogen ion concentration lowering pH. This can be caused by acid deposition, leaching, and removal of nutrients from the soil ecosystem and use of ammonium based fertiliser. The latter is converted by bacteria in the soil to form nitrate and hydrogen ions. The nitrates can be either taken up by plats or leached from the soil

53
Q

Chemical degradation - nutrient depletion

A

Caused by over exploitation (eg: continual cropping without replacing nutrients) loss of fertility reduces the capacity of the soil to support further plants. Artificial fertiliser does not always contain all nutrients required for healthy plant growth

54
Q

Chemical degradation - chemical pollution

A

Eg: The accumulation of toxic metals within soils from the use of pesticides (eg: Bordeaux mixture a fungicide used on fruit can result in the accumulation of copper in soils)

55
Q

Physical degradation

A

Including soil compaction, from use of heavy farming machinery and animals. When the soils became compressed, air spaces between the particles are lost. Reducing porosity and the soil may be more easily waterlogged, difficult for plant root systems to penetrate. A crusty flaky surface my fever that is more vulnerable to water and wind erosion

56
Q

Human activities that accelerant soil loss and degradation

A

Urbanisation (loss of soil cover). Overgrazing, deforestation and mismanagement of arable land contributed to soil degradation leading to increased risk of desertification

57
Q

Threats to soils - Urbanisation

A

Growth of cities causes loss of soil cover, quality of soil within urban areas varies due to soil movement from place to place. Urban soil suffers from soil pollution and compaction such as from leaded petrol or rubbish. Water and wind erosion can undercut urban structures damaging buildings and roads

58
Q

Threats to soils - Livestock overgrazing

A

Excessive vegetation removal by livestock grazing leaves soil exposed to processes of water and wind erosion

59
Q

Threats to soils - deforestation

A

Soil is exposed once trees are removed. Lack of vegetation to intercept rainfall reduces water infiltration into soil increasing water run-off. Water erosion of soil results in transfer of organic matter and nutrients from the forest into nearby watercourses causing water pollution. Organic matter contributed to lower dissolved oxygen levels and nitrates can cause Cyanobacteria blooms

60
Q

Threats to soils - farming

A

Some farming methods caused soil degradation by exposing the soil to the processes of water and wind erosion through enhancing chemical or physicals degradation

61
Q

Farming methods employed by commercial farming….

A

Cause greater soil degradation than small subsistence farming. However, the is variation from one farm to another also depending on soil conservation methods employed

62
Q

Threats to soils - desertification

A

In relatively dry land regions, soil loss and degradation can contribute to desertification - the transformation of arable land to desert. The risk is further increased by climate change and associated drought

63
Q

Desertification leads to….

A

Loss of food production that could threaten food security and result in famine

64
Q

Tillage (intensive and sustainable farming)

A

(Used to prepare soil for sowing) Ploughing the land and clearing any debris can leave the area bare and vulnerable to water and wind erosion

65
Q

Monoculture (intensive farming)

A

Extracts specific nutrients from the soil leaving the soil nutrient poor

66
Q

Growing multiple crops per year (intensive and sometimes subsistence farming)

A

Removes nutrients at a faster rate than they are being replaced. This results in nutrient deficiencies in the soil. Cultivation of steep slope encourage loss of topsoil due to wind and water erosion

67
Q

Excessive irrigation (intensive and not subsistence)

A

With poor drainage can cause water erosion or salinisation

68
Q

Use of pesticides/chemicals (intensive and only sometimes subsistence)

A

Use of chemicals and particular pesticides damage the soil microbial community

69
Q

Marginal areas (intensive and subsistence farming)

A

Marginal areas not typically suitable for farming without high levels of inputs (fertilisers). Productivity is limited (low soil nutrient levels, poor drainage, difficulty accessing location) eg: a alone and invariable crop production weather. Farming here increases rate of degradation particularly if above is used such as ploughing. Over time crop yields will decline and to survive farmers require more land

70
Q

Dependent on soils is

A

95% of global good sources - so soil loss and degradation can threaten food production and security

71
Q

For farming to be more sustainable, methods to prevent soil loss and degradation need to be placed

A

Eg: reducing wind and water erosion, salinisation, managing available nutrient levels, limiting grazing, and stopping use of marginal land since it is prone to erosion

72
Q

Reducing water erosion

A

Reduces loss of fertile land, decreases risk of flooding downstream and the clogging and pollution of aquatic ecosystems

73
Q

Methods of reducing water erosion

A

Vegetation cover can intercept rainfall and reduce soil erosion. Controlling run off limits water erosion by capturing water as it flows. (Eg: terracing along steep hillsides) this can be expensive to maintain and construct but is effective. Buffer strips, increasing infiltration

74
Q

Buffer strips that are permanent vegetation

A

Can be located at the edge of a field (grassland/shrub strips that intercept run off) or within the field (grassed warerways which are shallow ditches that divert water)

75
Q

Increasing infiltration if water into soil by improving soil structure and moisture entente on through….

A

The addition of organic matter (eg: manure), mulching using materials to cover soil surface reducing evaporation (straw, grass, wood chips), avoiding compaction, conservation tillage where residue from the previous crop is left on the soil surface - reducing wind erosion

76
Q

Conventional tillage

A

Soil is physically broken up by ploughing resulting in loose soil which can aerate and moist. It reduces weeds. Residues are ploughed into the soil and the surface of land is cleared of debris

77
Q

Conservation tillage

A

Crop residue is left as mulch on the soil surface to increase Infiltration, reduce run off and associated water erosion. No-toll is a form of this where no ploughing occurs

78
Q

Techniques to reduce wind erosion (and The last 3 also apply to water)

A

Wind breaks (trend, large shrubs) to reduce velocity and capture blowing soil, buffer strips (also wind breaks), vegetation cover, shelter belts (blocks of trees/shrubs at right angles to deflect wind and reduce velocity), conservation tillage (crop residues on the soil surface to provide protection)

79
Q

Advantage of wind breaks and shelter belts

A

The also provide habitats for wildlife and pollinators

80
Q

Salinisation can be reduced by:

A

Avoiding over watering, good drainage, no watering at certain time of day (watering at night or late afternoon avoids heat and evaporation)

81
Q

Excess salts can be removed from soil by….

A

Flushing them out using water

82
Q

Nutrients lost to plants….

A

Need to be replaced and the soil pH may meed to be amended to maintain conditions suitable for crop growth

83
Q

Nutrient levels in soil can be maintained by:

A

Addition of organic matter, growing of green manure, synthetic fertilisers, liming, crop rotation

84
Q

Addition of organic matter

A

Such as manure, increases organic matter and nutrient levels which improve overall soil structure

85
Q

Growing of green manure

A

Eg: leguminous plants (clover, alfalfa, and vetch) also in increases organic content

86
Q

Liming

A

Addition of calcium carbonate (limestone) or calcium hydroxide (hydrated lime) raises pH and improves soil capacity to support crops. Low pH levels can reduce available nutrients and mobilise toxic chemicals such as aluminium ions

87
Q

Crop rotation

A

Changing the crops grown on a plot each season on a 3-4 year cycle to prevent depletion of particular nutrients and maintain soil fertility

88
Q

Overgrazing

A

Reduced by restricting the number of animals and time spent in one area. Areas should not be stripped of vegetation cover. Sufficient time should be given for vegetation to recover before returning live sock. Grassed warerways and wind breaks also minimise potential water/wind erosion

89
Q

Arable farms

A

Focus on crops such as corn

90
Q

Mix farms

A

Produce both crops and animals

91
Q

Pastors farms

A

Focus on rearing animals

92
Q

Type of farming chosen and levels of food production will be dependent on: (levels of production very around the world)

A

Environmental conditions, access to vehicles and technology, funds a aisle to purchase land and inputs, cultural and environmental value systems that influence methods, government and Political initiatives

93
Q

Processes, transfers, and transformations of soil

A

Leaching, evaporation, decomposition, weathering

94
Q

Stores of soil

A

Organic matter, organisms, minerals, air, water, nutrients

95
Q

Outputs of soil

A

Soils loses minerals, organic matter, water and gases ???? Check this need clarification

96
Q

Soil inputs

A

Minerals, organic matter, gases, water

97
Q

Layers of soil

A

Organic layer (O), zone of leaching (A), zone of accumulation (B), weathered parent material (C)

98
Q

Soil properties

A

The proportions of sand, silt, and clay

99
Q

Soil texture and structure have

A

A very important impact on soils mineral and nutrient content drainage, water holding capacity, air spaces, boots and organic matter retention

100
Q

Soil texture

A

The look and feel of the soil, which is linked to the real stove proportions of sand, silt and clay particles

101
Q

Soil is not

A

Static, it continuously changes and develops through physical, chemical and biological process, as it processes it can be seen as a system

102
Q

Minerals

A

Come from the weathering of parent material. Weathering breakdown parent material by physical, chemical, and biological processes

103
Q

Organic matter

A

Comes from the living organisms on and in the soil. Soil and vegetation develop together.

104
Q

During succession

A

Early plants colonise the area before the soil has developed. When the early plants die they add organic materials.

105
Q

Soil is considered an ecosystem as such

A

it contains living organisms. These organisms are inputs that add organic material to the soil and carry out some of it in the soil forming (pedogenesis) process

106
Q

Gases

A

Certain plants also add inputs into the soil, certain plants fix atmospheric nitrogen into nitrates and ammonia compounds in the soil. Nitrogen fixation processes form an input into the soil system. The living component of the soil also respites removing oxygen and adding carbon dioxide

107
Q

Water

A

The way water enters depends on whether the soil is in a slope and where it is on the slope. The too received the most water by direct precipitation, lower down the water receives via precipitation but also as through flow from top slope soils

108
Q

Decomposers

A

Fungi, age and bacteria are some of the main soil decomposers. They break down the DOM and release plant nutrients. The transformation of organic matter to nutrients gradually increases soil fertility

109
Q

Sandy soils

A

Feel gritty, large particles that create large pores spaces between them. Well drained so rarely get water logged, subject to drought in times of low rainfall, warm up quickly in summer due to high air content

110
Q

Clay soil

A

Smallest particles providing a sticky feel. Small particles give small pore spaces. Poorly drained and prone to water logging, take a long time to dry out after rainfall, warm up slowly in summer due to high water content

111
Q

Soil texture is the result of

A

Parent material and the type of weather

112
Q

Physical weathering yields

A

Coarser and textured soils

113
Q

chemical weathering tends to give

A

finer textures

114
Q

No matter what type of weathering takes place

A

The longer it continues, the smaller the particles

115
Q

Sile particles are

A

Too small for the human eye to see and soils high in silt have a smooth feel. The smaller particles give smaller pore spaces so their properties are between sand and clay

ESS SL (10 decks)

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