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Questions and Answers
What is the primary benefit of no-till farming?
What is the primary benefit of no-till farming?
Minimizing erosion
How does no-till farming reduce erosion?
How does no-till farming reduce erosion?
By not exposing the soil and maintaining detritus from the previous crop
What is one of the drawbacks of no-till farming?
What is one of the drawbacks of no-till farming?
The use of herbicides, which create their own problems
How can soil fertility be restored?
How can soil fertility be restored?
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What is bioremediation?
What is bioremediation?
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What is one way to protect soil health?
What is one way to protect soil health?
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Why is it important to protect soil health?
Why is it important to protect soil health?
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What is SDG 15?
What is SDG 15?
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Why is it important to consider urban soils in soil conservation efforts?
Why is it important to consider urban soils in soil conservation efforts?
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What is the ultimate goal of soil conservation efforts?
What is the ultimate goal of soil conservation efforts?
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Study Notes
Soil Organisms and Humus
- Soil organisms starve when humus decomposes, leading to soil that is no longer loose and nutrient-rich.
- The clumpy aggregate structure of glued soil particles breaks down, causing water- and nutrient-holding capacities, infiltration, and aeration to decline.
- Mineralization occurs, resulting in the loss of humus and topsoil collapse, leaving only minerals (sand, silt, clay) behind.
Importance of Humus to Topsoil
- Topsoil forms when detritus and humus additions are balanced against their breakdown and loss.
- Humus is critical for maintaining topsoil's structure, water-holding capacity, and fertility.
Fertilizers
- Fertilizers are materials that contain one or more necessary nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus).
- Organic fertilizers, such as plant and animal wastes, support soil organisms and build soil structure.
- Inorganic fertilizers, which lack organic compounds, do not support soil organisms or build soil structure.
Soil Degradation
- Soil degradation occurs when soil's capacity to support plants and perform ecosystem functions is reduced.
- Soil degradation is a worldwide problem, affecting about 200 million hectares (38% of the world's cropland).
- Erosion is a major cause of soil degradation, particularly in areas where forests have been cleared.
Causes of Erosion: Deforestation
- Removing forests exposes soil, leading to increased runoff and nutrient leaching.
- Tropical soils, which lack nutrients due to leaching, are particularly vulnerable to erosion.
Conserving and Restoring Soil
- Healthy soils are essential for human societies, and sustainability requires reducing erosion and preventing degradation.
- Soil conservation techniques, such as contour plowing, shelterbelts, and no-till farming, can help reduce soil erosion.
- Public policies can also promote conservation or lead to disaster.
Techniques to Reduce Soil Erosion
- Contour plowing involves plowing and cultivating at right angles to the slope of the land, slowing downhill water flow.
- Shelterbelts are protective rows of trees and shrubs planted beside plowed fields, which protect soil from wind and erosion.
- No-till farming minimizes erosion by leaving the soil undisturbed, allowing detritus to maintain topsoil.
Restoring Soil Fertility
- Adding organic material, such as compost, manure, or green manure, can enhance soil fertility.
- Using synthetic inorganic fertilizers made of inorganic compounds can also improve soil fertility.
- Crop rotation and bioremediation can also help restore soil fertility.
Protecting Soil Health
- Soil health is critical for sustainable development, including food security and sustainable agriculture.
- Protecting soil health requires addressing urban soils, mining and waste degradation, and the effects of climate change on soil.
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Description
This quiz covers the consequences of soil organisms starving, affecting soil structure and fertility, and the role of humus in maintaining topsoil quality. Learn about the importance of humus additions and breakdown in soil health.
