Soil Formation and Horizons Quiz

The process of soil formation, influenced by factors like parent material, climate, organisms, topography, and time.

The uppermost layer of soil, rich in decomposing organic matter, vital for nutrient cycling and soil fertility.

The topsoil layer, a mix of organic material and minerals, supporting plant roots and biological activity.

A layer where minerals and nutrients are washed down by water, common in acidic soils.

A layer accumulating leached minerals and nutrients from above, rich in clay, iron, and aluminum oxides.

Partially weathered rock or sediment from which the soil is derived, lacking significant organic material.

The arrangement of soil particles into aggregates (clumps), affecting porosity, drainage, and root penetration.

The ability of soil to provide nutrients for plant growth, involving nutrient availability, organic matter content, and other factors.

Growing different crops in a sequence to help maintain soil fertility and reduce pests.

Planting specific plants, such as clover or rye, to protect the soil, improve fertility, and add organic matter.

Reducing the disturbance of the soil to prevent erosion and improve soil health.

A combination of biological, cultural, and mechanical methods to control pests without relying heavily on pesticides.

Mimicking natural ecosystems by growing several different crops together to create a more diverse and resilient system.

Using technology like GPS, sensors, and drones to monitor and manage resources like water and fertilizer efficiently.

A farming system that avoids synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, relying on natural processes to maintain soil health.

Strategies like drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting to reduce water consumption in agriculture.

Incorporating trees into agricultural landscapes to benefit the environment.

Restoring soil structure, introducing nutrients, controlling erosion, and improving water retention.

Reintroducing native plants that can thrive in the local environment.

Employing techniques like composting, biochar, and cover crops to improve soil health.

Strategies to collect and store water for later use in degraded areas.

Planting trees to stabilize soil, provide shade, and prevent erosion.

Creating terraces on hillsides to prevent erosion and redirect water flow.

Farming strategy focused on maximizing crop and livestock yields using extensive land and resources.

The practice of growing a single crop over a large area, optimizing efficiency but increasing vulnerability to pests and diseases.

The use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides to enhance productivity and control pests and weeds.

Excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides leading to runoff into water bodies, causing eutrophication and harming aquatic ecosystems.

The loss of soil nutrients and organic matter due to monoculture practices, over-tilling, and heavy machinery.

Release of greenhouse gases (methane, nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide) from livestock farming, fertilizer production, and machinery.

Farming strategy focused on meeting the immediate food needs of families or local communities, often using traditional methods and minimal technology.

Planting multiple crop species to reduce risk and increase resilience, common in subsistence agriculture.

The ability of a system (like a farm) to withstand disturbances, such as climate change or pest outbreaks.

A type of agriculture that uses minimal inputs, relies on natural fertilizers and pest control methods, and practices crop rotation.

The practice of incorporating manure, compost, or cover crops into the soil to improve fertility and soil structure.

Practices like contour farming, terracing, or no-till farming to protect soil from erosion and conserve water.

The use of natural fertilizers like compost and manure, a cornerstone of organic agriculture.

The process of using beneficial insects, birds, or other organisms to control pests naturally, without chemicals.

A traditional agricultural method used in tropical rainforests, where vegetation is cleared by cutting and burning.

Growing crops and trees together on the same land, mimicking the natural rainforest ecosystem.

Rotating crops or using cover crops to improve soil health and reduce nutrient depletion.

Leaving cut vegetation on the soil surface as mulch instead of burning it.

Improving crop yields on existing farmland using modern techniques without expanding into forests.

A farming system that combines trees, forage plants, and livestock on the same land.

Empowering local communities to adopt sustainable practices with knowledge, resources, and incentives.

Providing financial incentives to farmers for maintaining forests or reforesting degraded land.

A large-scale initiative to combat desertification in Africa by planting a 7,000-kilometer belt of trees across the Sahel region.

A project focused on large-scale soil restoration in China, using terracing, tree planting, and water harvesting techniques.

An example of the success of agroforestry, farmers plant cacao under the canopy of existing trees, preserving forest cover and making money.

A UN initiative providing financial incentives to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, promoting sustainable alternatives to slash-and-burn.

Communities in Indonesia replanting degraded areas with diverse crops, integrating livestock to improve soil and combat deforestation for palm oil production.

Rapidly clearing rainforests leads to significant biodiversity loss and habitat destruction.

Burning vegetation releases CO₂ into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.