Comparison of Tropical and Temperate Soils

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What is a common misconception about soils in the humid tropics?

Soil fertility in the humid tropics is easily maintained even after cultivation.

Soils in the humid tropics are rich in humus because of the scarce vegetation.

Soils in the humid tropics are uniformly poor in fertility due to the lack of vegetation. (correct)

When forests are cut in the humid tropics, crop yields are consistently high.

What were the findings regarding soil fertility when forests were cut in the humid tropics for crop cultivation?

Yields were exceptionally high, indicating the high natural fertility of soils in the humid tropics.

There was no correlation between forest cutting and crop yields.

Soil fertility was not affected by cultivation due to the abundance of plant material.

Yields were disappointingly low, leading to the realization that soil fertility is low and easily lost by cultivation. (correct)

Which term is used to describe the practice of cutting down forests and planting crops in tropical regions?

Permanent agriculture (correct)

Industrial farming

Sustainable forestry

Agroecology

What is a characteristic feature of Oxisols?

Highly weathered soil profile Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the distribution of Oxisols globally?

They occur mainly in tropical regions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a challenge associated with maintaining soil fertility in tropical regions?

Easily lost soil fertility due to intensive cultivation practices. Signup and view all the answers

What is a misconception about soil fertility in tropical regions?

Maintaining soil fertility in tropical regions is easy and does not require special attention. Signup and view all the answers

'Slash and burn' agriculture is commonly associated with which type of land use change?

'Slash and burn' agriculture results in deforestation for crop cultivation. Signup and view all the answers

'Maintaining soil fertility in the tropics can be challenging primarily due to:

'Slash and burn' agriculture practices causing quick loss of soil fertility. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of Oxisols?

Low soil fertility (nitrogen) Signup and view all the answers

How are Oxisols distributed globally?

Extensive areas in Africa and South America Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of slash and burn agriculture?

To use fire to clear land for cultivation Signup and view all the answers

Which practice involves leaving the land fallow to restore soil fertility?

Shifting cultivation Signup and view all the answers

Which agricultural practice requires inputs like manure, inorganic fertilizers, compost, and lime?

Permanent agriculture Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'steady state' in soil refer to?

A state where inputs match outputs Signup and view all the answers

In the context of agricultural ecosystems, what is one of the sources of inputs for maintaining soil fertility?

(BNF) Symbiotic and non-symbiotic fixation Signup and view all the answers

'Slash and burn' agriculture contributes to soil fertility through:

(BNF) Non-symbiotic fixation gains Signup and view all the answers

'Maintaining soil fertility' typically involves:

(BNF) Atmospheric deposition and mineral weathering Signup and view all the answers

'Permanent agriculture' emphasizes on:

Continuous inputs such as manure and lime Signup and view all the answers

Which soil order is characterized by being permanently frozen?

Gelisols Signup and view all the answers

What is the main distinguishing feature of Histosols?

Consists of organic material Signup and view all the answers

Which soil order is associated with volcanic origins?

Andisols Signup and view all the answers

In which type of climate are Aridisols typically found?

Dry climates Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of Spodosols?

Contains wood ashes Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of Entisols?

Too dry for major soil horizon development Signup and view all the answers

Which soil order is known for its association with strongly leached soils?

Aridisols Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a typical feature of Aridisols?

May have salt within 1 meter depth Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a living, biological crust in desert ecosystems?

Formed by algae, moss, and lichens Signup and view all the answers

In what type of deserts are Aridisols commonly found?

Cool temperate deserts and warm deserts Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of Andisols?

Presence of sodium enriched clay horizon Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the causes of desert pavement formation?

Weathering of surface rocks Signup and view all the answers

What is the main process that leads to the buildup of salts in desert soils?

Evaporation of irrigation water Signup and view all the answers

Which type of soil is most vulnerable to salinization due to the process of flood irrigation?

Andisols Signup and view all the answers

What human activity contributes significantly to the process of desertification?

Fuelwood extraction Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is a major cause of desertification according to the text?

Overgrazing by livestock Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of dispersion and loss of structure in desert soils?

Sodium content Signup and view all the answers

Which type of soil would most likely be found in regions experiencing desertification?