15 Questions
Why are fertilisers needed in an ecosystem?
To replace lost nutrients from the soil when crops are harvested or livestock is removed.
Which type of fertilisers can lead to leaching of nutrients into waterways?
Inorganic fertilisers
What environmental issue can arise from the leaching of fertilisers into waterways?
Eutrophication
What happens when nutrients are removed from the soil and incorporated into biomass?
The nutrients are not released back into the soil through decomposition.
How do organic fertilisers like manure differ from inorganic fertilisers?
Organic fertilisers allow for precise control of nutrient content compared to inorganic fertilisers.
What is one consequence of leaching due to excess fertiliser application?
Eutrophication
Why are natural fertilisers like compost considered environmentally friendly?
They help reduce the need for synthetic chemicals.
What is a primary reason for using artificial fertilisers over natural fertilisers?
Natural fertilisers cannot be controlled for exact nutrient content.
What impact does leaching of water-soluble compounds from excessive fertilizer use have on aquatic ecosystems?
Eutrophication causing algal blooms and oxygen depletion.
How does the use of organic fertilizers like manure differ from synthetic fertilizers in terms of cost and nutrient control?
Organic fertilizers are more expensive but allow for precise nutrient control compared to synthetic ones.
What is the term for the process where rain or irrigation systems wash water-soluble compounds out of soil into waterways?
Leaching
What is the consequence of an algal bloom in ponds and rivers?
Blocking of light reaching plants below
Why is leaching less likely with natural fertilisers compared to synthetic ones?
Organic molecules in natural fertilisers are less soluble in water
What happens to aquatic organisms when the oxygen concentration in water decreases?
They die due to lack of dissolved oxygen for aerobic respiration
How does leaching impact species diversity in an ecosystem?
It reduces species diversity by favoring fast-growing plants like grass and nettles
Learn about the importance of fertilisers in replacing lost nutrients like nitrates and phosphates in an ecosystem's nutrient cycle. Understand how fertilisers improve energy transfer efficiency and prevent nutrients from becoming a limiting factor.
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