Soil and Plant Health Quiz
90 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What are the potential consequences of heavy rainfall on soil nutrient levels?

Heavy rainfall can leach chemicals and nutrients from the soil into lakes, contributing to eutrophication and negatively impacting water quality.

How can overuse of fertilizers impact plant health?

Overuse of fertilizers can lead to dehydration and scorching of plants, imbalance in nutrient availability, and potential toxicity from excess trace elements.

What is salinization, and how does it affect soil and plant health?

Salinization is the accumulation of salts in the soil, which occurs when water evaporates, leaving salts behind, and it can kill plant roots and prevent soil cultivation.

What measures can be taken to mitigate the issues caused by excess fertilizer use?

<p>To mitigate issues, strict limits on fertilizer application should be enforced, and replacing synthetic fertilizers with organic alternatives can be beneficial.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what ways can over-production of crops lead to economic inefficiencies?

<p>Over-production can result in wasted crops not sold and increased storage costs as more building space is required for unsold produce.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the four main components of soil?

<p>The four main components of soil are mineral particles, organic content, air, and water.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do mineral particles in soil form?

<p>Mineral particles are formed from the weathering and erosion of the parent rock.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factors influence the proportions of soil components?

<p>Factors include the type of soil, management practices, local climatic conditions, and the size of mineral particles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

List the three classifications of soil particles based on size.

<p>The three classifications are sand, silt, and clay.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the essential mineral ions required for plant growth?

<p>Essential mineral ions include nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does soil pH affect nutrient uptake in plants?

<p>Soil pH affects the availability of nutrients to roots, as it influences the chemical form of the nutrients.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of air in soil?

<p>Air is held within the spaces between soil particles and organic content, providing oxygen necessary for plant roots.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of water in soil for plants?

<p>Water is crucial for plant growth as it is the main source of hydration and nutrient transport.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main types of agricultural production based on resource usage?

<p>Extensive and intensive production.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does crop rotation benefit soil health?

<p>It reduces soil diseases, lowers pest populations, and replenishes essential nutrients.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact does an increasing world population have on agriculture?

<p>It creates pressure on food production, increasing the demand for resources and food variety.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of intensive agricultural production?

<p>It aims to produce large yields from small areas of land using high inputs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name two factors that determine the type of agriculture practiced in a region.

<p>Climate and culture.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are fertilizers used for in agriculture?

<p>They supplement soil nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Define extensive agricultural production.

<p>Farming that is spread over a wide area with low resource usage per unit of land.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does irrigation play in increasing agricultural yields?

<p>It provides necessary water to crops, supporting their growth and productivity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some potential consequences of transporting crops over large distances?

<p>Farmers may face waste of transportation resources and a decrease in the quality of produce due to delays in selling.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does over-cultivation contribute to soil erosion?

<p>Over-cultivation breaks the soil into smaller particles, making it more susceptible to being carried away by wind and water.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might farmers prefer to grow cash crops over food crops?

<p>Cash crops often yield higher profits, leading farmers to prioritize their economic gain over the availability of staple foods.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does vegetation play in preventing soil erosion?

<p>Natural vegetation binds the soil together and slows down water runoff, thus reducing the risk of soil erosion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

List two causes of soil erosion related to livestock management.

<p>Over-grazing and compaction of the ground due to livestock trampling contribute to soil erosion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What practices can farmers employ to restore nutrients in the soil?

<p>Crop rotation and leaving land fallow are effective methods to restore soil nutrients.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe an impact of soil erosion on local ecosystems.

<p>The removal of topsoil leads to loss of habitat for many organisms, disrupting the local ecosystem.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are silt deposits and how do they affect water bodies?

<p>Silt deposits accumulate in water courses, leading to flooding due to reduced capacity for water storage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does soil pH influence nutrient availability for plants?

<p>Soil pH affects the uptake and availability of nutrients, with different pH levels favoring the availability of specific nutrients.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the roles of earthworms in improving soil quality?

<p>Earthworms break down vegetation, mix and aerate the soil, and spread organic matter throughout the soil.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does organic matter affect soil water retention?

<p>Organic matter increases the water-holding capacity of soil, acting like a sponge to retain moisture.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of sandy soil?

<p>Sandy soil has free drainage, low water-holding capacity, warms quickly, and is easy to cultivate but has poor nutrient retention.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way does clay soil differ from sandy soil regarding nutrient retention?

<p>Clay soil retains nutrients well due to its electric charge, allowing it to bind mineral ions, unlike sandy soil which has poor nutrient retention.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What function do bacteria serve in the soil ecosystem?

<p>Bacteria decompose organic matter and convert waste products into simple chemicals, playing a key role in nutrient cycling.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Define agriculture in terms of its basic components.

<p>Agriculture is the cultivation of animals, plants, and fungi for food and other products to sustain human life.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Discuss one advantage and one disadvantage of clay soil for agriculture.

<p>An advantage of clay soil is its high water-holding capacity; a disadvantage is its difficulty in cultivation due to compactness when wet.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is water essential for plant growth?

<p>Water is essential for plant growth as it makes up a large percentage of the plant, is vital for cell activity, and is required for photosynthesis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some advantages of drip irrigation systems?

<p>Drip irrigation systems provide water directly to the plant roots, reducing water waste and minimizing weed growth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

List one disadvantage of overhead irrigation.

<p>One disadvantage of overhead irrigation is that it can lead to water evaporation and waste, especially in hot conditions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is weed control important for crops?

<p>Weed control is important because weeds compete with crops for water, light, and nutrients, and can reduce the quality of the crop.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are two alternatives to using herbicides for weed control?

<p>Two alternatives to herbicides are hand weeding and using weed barriers like black plastic sheeting.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do fungicides help in crop management?

<p>Fungicides help manage crop diseases caused by fungi, offering protection against fungal infections.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain one reason why farmers may prefer herbicides over cultural controls.

<p>Farmers may prefer herbicides because they require less labor and are often more effective and predictable in controlling weeds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of insecticides in agriculture?

<p>Insecticides are chemicals used to control pests that attack or feed upon crops.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does organic matter have on soil water-holding capacity?

<p>Increases water retention (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Heavy clay soil is easier to cultivate than sandy soil.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What organisms in the soil are primarily responsible for breaking down organic matter?

<p>Decomposers</p> Signup and view all the answers

Sandy soil has _____ water-holding capacity compared to clay soil.

<p>low</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following soil characteristics with their respective soil types:

<p>Sandy Soil = Quick to warm up Clay Soil = Sticky and difficult to cultivate</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a method to acidify soil?

<p>Using fertilizers that have an acid effect (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Earthworms contribute to the soil ecosystem by aerating the soil and spreading organic matter.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary definition of agriculture?

<p>The cultivation of animals, plants, and fungi for food and other products.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which particle size is classified as the smallest in soil composition?

<p>Clay (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 0 being the most alkaline.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one essential mineral ion required for plant growth.

<p>Nitrogen</p> Signup and view all the answers

The weathering of rocks can be physical, chemical, or __________.

<p>biological</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of agricultural production focuses on maximizing yield from small areas of land?

<p>Intensive production (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the soil components with their definitions:

<p>Mineral particles = Inorganic materials from weathered rock Organic content = Remains of living organisms and humus Air = Gas held in soil pores Water = Liquid essential for plant growth</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one factor that can influence the pH of soil?

<p>Type of parent rock (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Extensive agriculture uses more resources per unit area than intensive agriculture.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of crop rotation in agriculture?

<p>Improves soil fertility and reduces disease and pest populations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Soil is considered the most scarce resource for agriculture.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three classifications of soil particles based on size?

<p>Sand, Silt, Clay</p> Signup and view all the answers

In agricultural practices, __________ is the method of supporting crops with water supply.

<p>irrigation</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the agricultural terms with their definitions:

<p>Arable = Land capable of being plowed and used to grow crops Pastoral = Relating to the keeping of sheep or cattle Subsistence = Farming to produce just enough for the farmer’s family Commercial = Farming aimed at selling products for profit</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant factor affecting agricultural yields due to changing environmental conditions?

<p>Climate change (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one advantage of using fertilizers in agriculture.

<p>They provide essential nutrients to the soil.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Increasing settlement sizes do not impact the availability of farmland.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential effect of overuse of fertilizers on plant health?

<p>Nutrient imbalance leading to excessive foliage (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Excess water containing dissolved fertilizers can lead to eutrophication in nearby lakes.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one major consequence of soil salinization?

<p>Death of plant roots</p> Signup and view all the answers

Over-production can lead to waste from __________, indicating that some crops may not be sold.

<p>over-supply</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following issues with their potential consequences:

<p>Leaching = Nutrients washed into lakes Waterlogging = Reduced oxygen for plant roots Fertilizer overuse = Plant dehydration and scorching Salinization = Increased soil salt content</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one significant advantage of biological pest control methods?

<p>No chemical residues left in the crop (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Selective breeding has a high success rate and is a quick process.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one disadvantage of using biological control for pest management.

<p>Control is not as instant as chemical control.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Genetically modified organisms (GMO) contain altered genetic material achieved through __________.

<p>genetic engineering</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of genetically modified crops?

<p>Guaranteed resistance to all diseases (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the agricultural method to its primary benefit:

<p>Biological control = No chemical residues Selective breeding = Desirable traits enhancement Mechanization = Reduced labor costs GMO = Increased yields and pest resistance</p> Signup and view all the answers

List one example of a crop that has been improved through selective breeding.

<p>Dairy cattle, for increased milk production.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Biological control agents often need to be reapplied frequently due to their short lifespan.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential advantage of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)?

<p>Resistance to pests (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Hydroponics allows for growing plants without any water.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of using hydroponics?

<p>It is expensive to set up.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The process of growing plants in a nutrient-rich water solution without soil is called __________.

<p>hydroponics</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the agricultural technique with its description:

<p>Greenhouse = A structure to control the environment for plant growth Hydroponics = Growing plants without soil Herbicide resistance = Allows spraying chemicals without harming crops Insecticide use = Can lead to pest resistance if overused</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential negative impact of using insect-resistant varieties in agriculture?

<p>Reduction in beneficial insect populations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Removing trees that shade crops can maximize light received by the plants.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one solution to prevent resistance within pest populations caused by the regular use of insecticides.

<p>Use a range of different pesticides.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Soil Composition

Soil is made up of mineral particles, organic content, air, and water.

Mineral Particles

Rock fragments and other inorganic materials in soil, formed from weathering.

Organic Content

Living plants, animals and their remains in soil.

Soil Particles Sizes

Soil particles are classified as sand, silt, and clay based on their size.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Soil pH

A measure of soil acidity or alkalinity, affecting nutrient uptake by plants.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Nutrient Uptake

The process where roots absorb mineral ions from the soil.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Soil Types

Different types of soil have varying proportions of mineral particles and organic matter, which influences water retention and nutrient availability.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Soil for plant growth

Soil provides water, nutrients, anchorage and oxygen to plants.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Eutrophication

The excessive growth of algae in a body of water due to an overabundance of nutrients, often from fertilizer runoff.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Blue-baby Syndrome

A condition caused by high levels of nitrates in drinking water, leading to a decrease in oxygen-carrying capacity in infants.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Salinization

The buildup of salt in the soil, often caused by excessive irrigation, making it difficult for plants to grow.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Waterlogging

The saturation of soil with water, preventing roots from accessing oxygen, leading to plant death.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Soil Capping

The formation of a hard, impermeable layer on the soil surface due to compaction, reducing water infiltration and aeration.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Extensive Agriculture

Farming method using large areas of land with low input per unit of land.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Intensive Agriculture

Farming method maximizing yield from small areas using high input of resources.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Crop Rotation

Growing different crops in a planned sequence on the same plot of land.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Fertilizers

Substances added to soil to provide essential nutrients for plant growth.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Irrigation

Providing water to crops for growth.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Arable Farming

Agricultural production focused on crops.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pastoral Farming

Agricultural production focused on livestock.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Mixed Farming

Agricultural system incorporating both crops and livestock.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Soil organic content

Living organisms (and their remains) in soil, creating humus.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Sandy soil

Soil with large particles, good drainage, low water retention, and prone to nutrient leaching.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Clay soil

Soil with small particles, high water retention, poor drainage, and good nutrient retention.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Humus

Dark, organic material in soil formed by decomposition.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Decomposers (soil)

Organisms (bacteria, fungi, earthworms) that break down organic matter.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Agriculture

Cultivation of plants, animals, and fungi for sustenance.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Nutrient leaching

Loss of nutrients from soil due to water movement.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Importance of water in plants

Water is crucial for plant cell activity, photosynthesis, and nutrient uptake from the soil. It must be clean and low in salt.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Weed Control

Managing unwanted plants competing with crops for water, light, and nutrients. This can involve chemicals (herbicides) or non-chemical methods like hand-weeding.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Herbicides

Chemicals used to kill weeds, often preferred by farmers for ease of use and broader control.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Alternative weed control methods

Methods that don't use chemicals like herbicides. These can include hand weeding, using barriers like black plastic, or using a flame gun.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Crop Diseases

Plant diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, or viruses. They need to be managed to ensure healthy crops.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Fungicides

Chemicals used to control fungal plant diseases.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pests

Animals that harm or feed on crops.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Insecticides

Chemicals used to control crop-damaging insects.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Waste of transportation

Farmers may need to travel further to sell their crops, leading to increased fuel consumption and costs.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Waste of quality produce

Crops that are not sold quickly enough may deteriorate in quality, reducing their value.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Waste of labor

Excess crop production can lead to inefficient use of labor and time spent growing and caring for crops.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Exhaustion of mineral ion content

Continuous crop cultivation without rest depletes the soil of essential nutrients and minerals.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Soil erosion

The process of soil being carried away by wind or water, often due to human activities.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Over-cultivation

Regularly tilling the soil can break it down into smaller particles, making it more vulnerable to erosion.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Removal of natural vegetation

Loss of vegetation exposes the soil to erosion by wind and water, as roots can no longer bind the soil together.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are the main components of soil?

Soil is a mixture of mineral particles (broken rock), organic matter (living and dead organisms), air, and water.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How are mineral particles formed?

Mineral particles in soil are formed from the breakdown of rocks through weathering and erosion.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How does particle size affect soil?

Particle size determines how well soil holds or drains water, and how much nutrients it can retain.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is soil pH and why is it important?

Soil pH measures its acidity or alkalinity, affecting how well plants can absorb nutrients.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How does soil supply plants with what they need?

Soil provides water, mineral nutrients, anchorage for roots, and oxygen for plant growth.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Why is soil erosion a problem?

Soil erosion is the loss of soil from wind or water, reducing soil fertility and damaging ecosystems.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are some ways to prevent soil erosion?

Planting cover crops, no-till farming, and terracing are methods to protect soil from erosion.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How does agriculture impact the environment?

Agriculture can cause environmental problems like soil degradation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Extensive Production

Farming where a large area of land is used to produce a small amount of crops or animals per unit of land.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Intensive Production

Farming that focuses on maximizing yield from a small area of land using lots of resources like labor, fertilizers, or machinery.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Biological Control

Using natural predators, parasites, or pathogens to control pests instead of chemical insecticides.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Advantages of Biological Control

No chemical residues, minimal environmental impact, self-sustaining control, natural decrease in predator population after pest control.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Disadvantages of Biological Control

Not as immediate as chemical control, climatic conditions can favor pests over predators, predators may move elsewhere, potential impact on local ecosystems.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Selective Breeding

Choosing parents with desired traits and breeding them to produce offspring with those enhanced characteristics.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Examples of Selective Breeding

Dairy cows for increased milk production, beef cattle for larger muscle size, wheat for higher yields and disease resistance.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Disadvantages of Selective Breeding

Slow process with a low success rate, testing and evaluation can take many years.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Mechanization in Agriculture

Using machines like tractors to cultivate larger areas efficiently, reducing labor costs and increasing productivity.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Organisms with altered genetic material through genetic engineering, often involving inserting DNA from one organism into another.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Fertilizer Overuse

Using more fertilizer than the soil needs leads to wasted resources, nutrient runoff, and environmental damage like eutrophication.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Acidifying Soil

Adding fertilizers with an acid effect to lower the soil pH, making nutrients more accessible for certain plants.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Alkalizing Soil

Adding ground limestone to raise the soil pH, making nutrients more available for other plants.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Herbicide Resistance

When weeds develop immunity to herbicides making them less effective at killing the weeds.

Signup and view all the flashcards

GMO Crops & Pest Resistance

Genetically modified crops designed to resist insects, reducing the need for pesticides.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Greenhouse Farming

Growing plants in a controlled environment, like a glasshouse, to manage temperature, light, and humidity.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Hydroponics: Growing Plants Without Soil

Growing plants in water with dissolved nutrients, eliminating the need for soil.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Overuse of Insecticides

Frequent insecticide use can lead to pests becoming resistant, requiring stronger treatments.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Unintended Environmental Damage from Insecticides

Pesticides can harm beneficial insects like bees, disrupting the natural food web.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Spray Drift: Herbicides in the Soil

Herbicides can be carried by wind, contaminating nearby soil and potentially affecting subsequent crops.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Hydroponics: High Yields & Water Efficiency

Hydroponics produces high yields, saves water, eliminates weeds, and reduces environmental impact.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Soil Composition

  • Soil is a habitat for plants and other organisms.
  • Soil is made up of mineral particles, organic content, air, and water.
  • Mineral particles are a combination of rock fragments (inorganic).
  • Organic content is a mixture of living plants and animals and their dead remains.
  • Air is held in the spaces (pores) between particles and organic content.
  • Water is held in the soil pores and is available for plant growth.
  • The size of mineral particles affects water retention and nutrient holding capacity, and is classified into sand, silt, and clay.
  • Soil components come from the weathering and erosion of parent rock.

Soil for Plant Growth

  • Soil is the cheapest and most abundant medium for plants.
  • Plants need a supply of mineral ions (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium).
  • These minerals are used to construct proteins and carry out life processes.
  • Nitrogen is supplied as nitrate ions (NO3-).
  • Phosphorus is supplied as phosphate ions (PO43-).
  • Potassium is supplied as potassium ions (K+).
  • The proportion of components in a typical cultivated soil is Water (25%), Mineral (45%), Air (25%), and Organic Matter (5%).

Soil pH

  • Soil pH affects nutrient uptake by roots.
  • Soil pH is a measure of acidity or alkalinity (on a scale of 1 to 14).
  • pH is dependent on factors such as parent rock type and water flowing into the area.
  • Farmers can change soil pH by using fertilizers (acidifying) or ground limestone (alkalinizing).
  • Different plant nutrients have different optimal pH ranges.

Soil Organic Content

  • Soil organic content is a combination of living organisms and their remains (humus).
  • Earthworms, fungi, and bacteria break down vegetation, mix the soil, and aerate it.
  • Bacteria convert waste products to chemicals and some convert nitrogen to nitrates.
  • Fungi digest hard wood items and help plants take up nutrients.
  • High organic matter increases water-holding capacity, air space, and prevents mineral nutrient loss.
  • Organic matter improves soil structure.

Sandy Soil and Clay Soil

  • Sandy soils have free drainage and low water-holding capacity.
  • They are easy to cultivate because particles don't stick together.
  • Sandy soils have poor nutrient retention and high risk of erosion.
  • Clay soils have high water-holding capacity and are slow to warm up.
  • They are sticky when wet and hard when dry, thus making them harder to cultivate.
  • Clay soils have good nutrient retention, but poor drainage.
  • Sandy soils have larger pore spaces, while clay soils have smaller pore spaces.

Agriculture

  • Agriculture involves cultivating animals, plants, and fungi for food and other products.
  • The type of agriculture depends on factors such as climate, culture, technology, and economics.
  • Examples of agriculture types include arable (growing crops), pastoral (rearing animals), and mixed (both crops and animals).
  • Different types of agriculture can include subsistence farming (for family/personal use) and commercial farming (to sell on the market).

Increasing Agricultural Yields

  • Demand for food is increasing due to population growth.
  • Climate change, reduced fertile land, larger populations, and the demand for more food variety affect food production.
  • More food variety and better living standards put more pressure on food production.
  • Large populations have an impact on the availability of water for irrigation.
  • Techniques for improving crop yield include crop rotation, fertilization, and irrigation.
  • Increasing agricultural yields is a key concern due to the need to meet growing global food demands.

Techniques for Improving Crop Yield

  • Crop rotation involves planting different types of crops in different plots each year.
  • This helps maintain soil fertility, reduce diseases and pests, and improves nutrient cycling.
  • Fertilizers add to nutrients already in the soil. Organic fertilizers use natural resources, while inorganic fertilizers meet specific needs.
  • Irrigation is supplying water to crops. Different methods, such as drip, sprinkler, and flood irrigation, have different advantages and disadvantages.

Insect Control

  • Pests/insects are animals that attack or feed on crops.
  • Insecticides are used to kill insects.
  • Herbicides are used to kill weeds.
  • Fungicides are used to control fungal diseases.
  • Weeds compete with crops for water, nutrients, light.
  • Weeds reduce crop quality, might be poisonous, cause tangling and blockage of machinery.
  • Using a range of pesticides helps reduce pest resistance.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

  • GMOs are organisms where genetic material has been altered.
  • This involves transferring DNA from one organism to another.
  • GMO examples can include disease/pest resistance, improved nutritional value, growth in inhospitable areas, and higher yields.
  • GMOs can have advantages such as increased yields and reduced pesticide use, but there are also disadvantages, such as unknown impacts on human health, potential impact on ecosystems, and reduction in the gene pool.
  • Herbicide resistance in GMOs can lead to reduced herbicide use.

Controlling Crop Environments

  • Greenhouses and hydroponics are techniques used to manage crop environments.
  • Greenhouses control environment factors like temperature, light, and water to allow crops to grow year round.
  • Hydroponics is growing plants without soil. Nutrients are dissolved in water, circulated and filtered.
  • Strategies to control environment elements include using shade for cattle, windbreaks, removing trees, improving light levels, and using supplemental lighting and misting systems.

Impacts of Agriculture

  • Overuse of herbicides and insecticides can lead to pest resistance.
  • Unintended environmental damage can affect beneficial insects like bees.
  • Heavy rainfall or other natural events can have an impact on soil.
  • Chemicals used in farming can leach into nearby water sources.
  • Overuse of fertilizers can waste resources, lead to eutrophication, and change soil pH.
  • Irrigation mismanagement leads to salinization, loss of nutrients, compaction, and waterlogging.
  • Overproduction and waste result from excess food production.

Overproduction and Waste

  • In developed countries, farms are highly efficient, sometimes exceeding the demand.
  • Food surpluses can result in wasted or spoiled crops. This leads to issues with storage, transportation, and waste management.

Exhaustion of Mineral Ion Content

  • Continuous cultivation depletes soil nutrients.
  • Soil depletion lowers the yield and resilience of the farmland.
  • Practices such as crop rotation can be used to replenish the depletion of nutrients.
  • The continuous removal of nutrients without replenishment leads to decreased soil fertility.

Soil Erosion

  • Soil erosion occurs due to various factors like natural processes, human-related activities, and excessive or improper use of farmland.
  • The consequences of soil erosion include desertification, displacement of people, and reduced agricultural productivity.
  • Factors like deforestation, overgrazing, overcultivation, and inappropriate irrigation can lead to soil erosion.

Managing Soil Erosion

  • Terracing, contour ploughing, windbreaks, and maintaining vegetation cover are methods for managing soil erosion.
  • These methods help mitigate the negative effects of agricultural activities on soil by slowing the flow of water and keeping the soil in place.
  • Implementing soil conservation measures can reduce the risk of soil erosion and improve agricultural sustainability.

Sustainable Agriculture

  • Sustainable farming involves efficiently using resources, using natural processes, supporting the economic independence of farmers, and meeting the needs of the population for agricultural products.
  • Techniques like organic fertilizers, crop rotation, pest-resistant varieties, managed grazing, and proper irrigation, along with soil conservation practices, are integral to sustainable farming.
  • Sustainable agriculture aims to minimize environmental impact while maintaining productivity.

Hydroponics

  • Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, using water and mineral nutrients.
  • It is advantageous for its ability to produce higher yields, efficient water use, and minimizing potential pests, diseases, and pollutants as compared to traditional farming in soil.
  • However, it has higher set-up costs compared to some traditional systems.
  • Hydroponics optimizes water and nutrient use for plant growth.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

Chapter 3 Agriculture PDF

Description

Explore the intricate relationship between soil health and plant growth with this quiz. Delve into topics like the effects of rainfall, fertilizer use, and soil composition. Understand the nutritional requirements for plants and the strategies for sustainable agriculture.

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser