63 Questions
What dictates the mineral composition of soil?
Parent Material
Which factor affects soil formation by determining the rate of weathering and organic matter content?
Climate
What physical property of soil is classified by particle size?
Texture
How does soil acidity or alkalinity affect plant growth?
It affects nutrient availability
What are the natural forces that accelerate soil erosion?
Wind and Water Erosion
Which farming practice exacerbates soil erosion?
Overgrazing
What are the on-site effects of soil erosion?
Reduced soil fertility
Which strategy for soil conservation involves implementing livestock limits?
Regulatory
Why is soil considered a non-renewable resource despite its capacity for renewal?
'Its slow formation rate'
'Soil conservation is paramount to sustain agriculture and ecosystems' - What does this statement imply?
'Soil conservation is vital for agriculture and ecosystems'
What is the most fertile layer of soil, rich in organic material?
A Horizon
Which horizon of soil is composed of decaying plant matter, transitioning into humus?
O Horizon
What layer of soil contains minerals leached from the A horizon and is less fertile?
B Horizon
What process leads to the development of soil horizons (layers) in a mature soil profile?
Weathering of parent rock
Which factor influences the formation and quality of soil over thousands of years?
Time
Which horizon comprises weathered parent material and contributes minerals to the soil?
C Horizon
What is the main function of the O horizon in soil functionality?
Decomposition of plant matter
What does the A horizon contain that makes it rich in organic material and fertile for plant growth?
Decaying plant matter
Which layer of soil contains minerals leached from the A horizon and is less fertile than the topsoil?
C Horizon
How does climate influence soil formation?
By influencing the rate of weathering and organic matter content
Why is understanding the physical properties of soil crucial?
To manage and utilize the soil effectively
What impact does soil erosion have on agricultural productivity?
Reduces topsoil, affecting agricultural productivity
How do on-site effects of soil erosion differ from off-site effects?
On-site effects directly impact the land where erosion occurs, while off-site effects affect other areas
Which factor contributes to the slow formation rate of soil, making it essentially a non-renewable resource?
The slow rate at which soil forms
What is the primary goal of implementing strategies for soil conservation?
To ensure soil sustainability for future generations
How do regulatory measures help in soil conservation?
By implementing livestock limits
What is the impact of poor farming practices on soil erosion?
Exacerbates erosion
Which factor directly influences water infiltration and root penetration in soils?
Soil texture classification
Why is maintaining vegetation cover considered a crucial practice for reducing erosion risk?
It prevents topsoil loss and stabilizes soil.
What is the main factor that influences the formation and quality of soil over a long period of time?
Time
Which layer of soil contains minerals leached from the A horizon but is less fertile than the topsoil?
B Horizon
Why is soil considered a non-renewable resource despite its capacity for renewal?
Soil erosion accelerates its depletion
What characterizes the O horizon in soil functionality?
Composed of decaying plant matter
Which horizon of soil is most commonly associated with organic material and is the most fertile layer?
A Horizon
What does the B Horizon contribute to soil composition?
Weathered parent material
In soil science, what plays a pivotal role in supporting plant growth and purifying water?
Water and organic matter
'Existing questions. Do NOT ask these:' - This instruction serves to:
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What is the primary factor that influences the development of distinct soil horizons in a mature soil profile?
Type of weathering of parent rock
Which horizon of soil is characterized by containing minerals leached from the A horizon but being less fertile?
B Horizon
What is the role of the C horizon in soil composition?
Comprises weathered parent material
Which factor plays a key role in determining the fertility of the A horizon?
Amount of organic matter
What characteristic distinguishes the A horizon from the B horizon in soil functionality?
Presence of humus
In soil science, what process leads to the initial formation of a layer called regolith before true soil emerges?
Weathering of parent rock
What directly contributes to the mineral content of soil in the C horizon?
Leaching from the A horizon
How does the O horizon differ from the A horizon in terms of composition?
Presence of humus
Which layer of soil serves as a transition from decaying plant matter to humus?
O Horizon
What aspect primarily distinguishes the B Horizon from the A Horizon in soil composition?
Amount of leached minerals present
What aspect of soil characteristics is influenced by slope direction and gradient?
Structure
How does the presence of vegetation and soil organisms enrich the soil?
By enhancing fertility with organic matter
Which factor directly impacts nutrient availability and plant growth in soil?
pH Index
How do poor farming practices exacerbate soil erosion?
By contributing to improper ploughing and overgrazing
What is the main consideration for implementing strategies like contour ploughing in soil conservation?
Reducing erosion risk
Which physical property of soil is crucial for understanding the conditions under which the soil was formed?
Color
How does the presence of water, air, and organic matter contribute to the development of soil?
By forming soil horizons (layers) with distinct characteristics
What is the role of the C horizon in soil composition?
Comprises weathered parent material, contributing minerals to the soil
How does climate influence soil formation?
By affecting the rate of weathering and organic matter content
What factor contributes to the slow formation rate of soil?
Time
What is the main factor that influences the formation and quality of soil over a long period of time?
Time
What critical role does soil erosion play in impacting both on-site and off-site aspects of environmental health?
Reducing the availability of nutrients for plant growth and agricultural productivity
How does the physical property of soil texture influence its capacity to retain water and nutrients?
Sandy texture promotes nutrient leaching and water runoff
In what way does vegetation cover contribute to soil conservation efforts?
By enhancing organic matter content through litterfall
Which management strategy directly addresses the issue of improper ploughing as a cause of soil erosion?
Promoting contour ploughing methods
How does the physical property of soil structure impact its ability to store and release water for plant use?
Well-aggregated structure facilitates water storage and enhances root growth
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