Resources and Development Chapter 2

Questions and Answers

What are two human factors that contribute to soil degradation?

Deforestation and overgrazing.

How does mulching aid in soil conservation?

Mulching helps to retain soil moisture by covering the bare ground with organic matter.

What role do contour barriers play in soil conservation?

Contour barriers slow down water flow and reduce soil erosion.

Explain how terrace farming contributes to soil conservation.

Terrace farming creates flat surfaces on steep slopes, reducing surface runoff and soil erosion. Signup and view all the answers

Identify one natural factor that can lead to soil degradation.

Floods. Signup and view all the answers

What is one effect of overusing chemical fertilizers on soil?

Overusing chemical fertilizers can degrade soil health and reduce its fertility. Signup and view all the answers

How can rock dams help in preventing soil loss?

Rock dams slow down water flow, which prevents gullies and further soil erosion. Signup and view all the answers

What is rain wash, and how does it affect soil?

Rain wash is the removal of topsoil by heavy rainfall, leading to soil degradation. Signup and view all the answers

What are the major factors influencing soil formation?

The major factors influencing soil formation are the nature of the parent rock and climatic factors. Signup and view all the answers

How does the parent rock affect soil formation?

The parent rock provides the mineral content and texture that influence the soil's characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does climate contribute to soil formation?

Climate affects the rate of weathering and decomposition processes, which are crucial for soil development. Signup and view all the answers

Why is organic material important in soil formation?

Organic material contributes to soil fertility and structure, enhancing its ability to retain moisture and nutrients. Signup and view all the answers

What role does time play in the process of soil formation?

Time is crucial as it allows for the accumulation of organic matter and the gradual weathering of parent rock. Signup and view all the answers

What role does climate play in soil formation?

Climate affects soil formation through temperature and rainfall, influencing weathering rates and the accumulation of organic matter. Signup and view all the answers

How does parent rock influence soil properties?

Parent rock determines the color, texture, mineral content, and permeability of the soil, affecting its overall characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how relief affects soil formation.

Relief influences drainage and erosion, where altitude and slope can determine the rate of humus accumulation and soil depth. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the impact of flora and fauna on soil development.

Flora and fauna contribute organic matter through decomposition, enhancing soil structure and nutrient content. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of time in soil formation?

Time is significant as it allows for the processes of weathering, nutrient accumulation, and organic matter decomposition to occur, shaping the soil profile. Signup and view all the answers

Identify two major threats to soil as a resource.

Soil erosion and depletion are the two major threats that adversely affect soil health and sustainability. Signup and view all the answers

How does rainfall influence the rate of weathering?

Rainfall enhances the chemical and physical weathering processes by facilitating the movement of minerals and nutrients within the soil. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways does soil texture affect its permeability?

Soil texture, defined by the proportion of sand, silt, and clay, directly influences permeability, with sandy soils draining faster than clayey soils. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Soil Profile

Soil consists of layers: topsoil (humus and vegetation), subsoil (sand, silt, clay), weathered rock, and parent rock.
It takes hundreds of years to form just one centimeter of soil.

Factors of Soil Formation

Parent Rock: Influences soil color, texture, chemical properties, mineral content, and permeability.
Climate: Affects soil temperature, rainfall, rate of weathering, and humus formation.
Relief: Topography, including altitude and slope, impacts soil accumulation.
Flora and Fauna: Micro-organisms contribute to the organic composition and humus development.
Time: Determines the thickness and maturity of the soil profile.

Soil Degradation and Conservation

Major threats to soil include erosion and depletion caused by both human activities and natural factors.
Key factors leading to soil degradation: deforestation, overgrazing, excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, rain wash, landslides, and floods.

Soil Conservation Methods

Mulching: Applying organic matter such as straw to bare soil helps retain moisture.
Contour Barriers: Stones, grass, and soil are used to create barriers along the land's contours to collect water.
Rock Dams: Piling rocks to slow water flow and prevent soil loss and gully formation.
Terrace Farming: Creating broad flat steps on steep slopes to grow crops, reducing surface runoff and soil erosion.
Contour Ploughing: Ploughing along the contours of the land to alternative water flow and enhance soil conservation.

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Description

Explore key concepts from Chapter 2 of the Resources and Development curriculum. This quiz will cover various aspects of soil composition, including top soil and sub soil characteristics, and their significance in environmental studies. Test your understanding and enhance your knowledge in this vital area of geography.