Soil Science Basics
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of soil?

  • Filtering water
  • Supporting human activity
  • Food production
  • All of the above (correct)

Soil only consists of inorganic materials with no organic matter.

False (B)

What is the O-Horizon in soil terminology?

The organic material overlying the soil

The process of soil formation begins with the breaking down of _______.

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

Match the soil horizons with their descriptions:

<p>O-Horizon = Organic material layer A-Horizon = Top layer of soil B-Horizon = Middle layer C-Horizon = Lowest layer</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors does NOT affect soil variation?

<p>Human population density (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Soil is a static system that does not change over time.

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

What are inputs to the soil system?

<p>Water, gases, nutrients, and organic matter</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the average annual rate of agricultural land loss from 1986 to 2001?

<p>80 ha (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Urbanization accelerates the growth of summer residency areas.

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

What are two factors contributing to land degradation in the Maltese islands?

<p>Urbanization, agricultural intensification</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the past 30 years, __________ ha of agricultural land has been lost to development.

<p>4,500</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the factors with the associated activities:

<p>Urbanization = Summer residencies expansion Field abandonment = Parking areas taking up land Fragmentation of land = Accelerated growth of holdings Pollution = Shooting activities disrupt environment</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factors influence soil formation?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the impacts of using saline treated sewage effluent on soil?

<p>Increases soil salinity (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Maltese soils are generally rich in organic matter.

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

Part-time farming has no effect on the availability of agricultural land.

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

Name one area where squatter towns have occupied agricultural land.

<p>St. Thomas Bay</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the main components of soil?

<p>Water, air, organic matter, organisms, and mineral particles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Maltese soils can be described as slightly to moderately _______.

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

What is a significant source of soil contamination in Malta?

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

Match the following Maltese soil types with their characteristics:

<p>Blue Clay = Difficult to work with due to high clay content Marshland = Semi-natural landscape with wet conditions Garrigue = Type of vegetation cover in Malta Terraced land = Rural landscape with human influence</p> Signup and view all the answers

Dead organic matter in the soil contributes to nutrient cycling.

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

What is a major challenge facing Maltese soils?

<p>Shallow depth and low levels of organic matter.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary motive for excessive clearance of forests and woodlands?

<p>To create agricultural and pastoral land (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Salinisation occurs when there are excessive concentrations of nutrients in the soil.

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

Name one method of soil erosion caused by moving water.

<p>Sheet erosion</p> Signup and view all the answers

Sustainable agriculture rejects the __________ approach to food production.

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

Match the type of erosion with its description:

<p>Sheet erosion = Surface water moves and peels off soil layers Rill erosion = Fast-flowing rivulets cut small channels in soil Gully erosion = Wider and deeper channels formed by joined rivulets Salinisation = Excessive salts in irrigated soils</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following practices is NOT associated with sustainable agriculture?

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

Chemical pesticides are beneficial for long-term soil health.

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

What is one key principle of sustainable agriculture?

<p>Minimize tilling</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of desertification?

<p>Human activities (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Soil erosion can occur naturally through wind and water, but never due to human activities.

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

What event in the 1930s is known for its large-scale wind erosion of soils?

<p>Dust Bowl</p> Signup and view all the answers

Desertification primarily affects __________ regions.

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

Match the following concepts with their definitions:

<p>Overgrazing = Too much livestock in one area leading to soil erosion Overcultivation = Excessive farming leading to nutrient loss Desertification = Land degradation in drylands Soil erosion = Loss of soil by wind and water</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a factor leading to desertification?

<p>Excessive rainfall (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Soil can be considered a renewable resource because it is formed continuously over time.

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

What organization was established in 1977 to combat desertification globally?

<p>UNCCD (United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one claim critics make against sustainable agriculture?

<p>It results in lower crop yields (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Conservation tillage practices involve disturbing the soil as much as possible.

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

What is the purpose of contour ploughing?

<p>To follow the contour lines of the slope and slow water runoff.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Terracing reduces soil erosion by converting steep slopes into a series of __________.

<p>broad, nearly level terraces</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the conservation method with its description:

<p>Conservation Tillage = Disturbs soil minimally Contour Ploughing = Ploughing across slope contours Crop Residue Cover = Retains runoff water Terracing = Series of level terraces on slopes</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of crop residue cover?

<p>Increases crop yields (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Recent evidence suggests sustainably farmed lands can be as productive as conventional farms over time.

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

What is one effect of using a mulch tiller?

<p>It can reduce soil loss by up to 40%.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is soil?

A thin layer of material covering the Earth's bedrock, essential for life.

What is weathering?

The process of breaking down rocks into smaller particles, creating the foundation for soil.

What is physical weathering?

The breakdown of rock through physical forces like wind and water.

What is chemical weathering?

The breakdown of rock through chemical reactions, often involving water and acids.

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What are soil horizons?

The distinct layers of soil that form over time, each with unique characteristics.

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What is the O-horizon?

The uppermost layer of soil, rich in organic matter from decaying plants and animals.

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What is the A-horizon?

The layer of soil beneath the O-horizon, composed of mineral particles mixed with organic matter.

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What is soil formation?

The dynamic process by which soil forms and evolves over time.

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Soil Formation

The process of creating soil from rocks, influenced by climate, organisms (plants and animals), human impact, terrain, and time.

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Soil Inputs

The materials that contribute to the creation and health of soil, including dead plants and animals, and nutrients absorbed by plants.

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Soil Components

The components that make up soil, including water, air, organic matter (decomposed plants and animals), organisms (like worms and bacteria), and mineral particles from weathered rock.

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Maltese Semi-Natural Landscapes

The natural landscapes of Malta, including sea cliffs, shrubland (garrigue), wetlands (marshland), forests (woodland), and slopes and springs formed from blue clay, and areas with sand deposits.

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Soil Loss

The process of losing soil, caused by wind, water, and gravity, resulting in the movement of soil particles downslope and erosion.

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Factors Influencing Soil Formation

The impact of various factors on soil health, including the type of parent rock, climate, organisms (like plants and animals), human activities, terrain, and the amount of time soil has been forming.

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Soil Functions

The natural ability of soil to filter and store water, hold nutrients, and support plant growth and various life forms.

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Soil Contamination

The contamination of soil by harmful substances from sources like quarries, factories, waste dumps, and agricultural runoff.

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Soil Erosion

The gradual process of soil being broken down and carried away, often by wind or water.

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Soil Conservation

The practice of managing land to protect and improve soil quality.

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Urbanization's Impact on Soil

Areas where excessive development, like building houses and roads, replaces farmland, reducing fertile land for agriculture.

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Saline Irrigation

The practice of using poor-quality water for irrigation, which introduces salts into the soil and can lead to degradation.

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Land Loss to Development

The loss of land due to development, which reduces the area available for agriculture.

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Part-Time Farming

The growing trend of farmers using their land for only part of the year, leading to reduced soil health and more fallow land.

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Field Abandonment

The abandonment of farmland due to various factors like lack of profit or changing land use, contributing to soil degradation.

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Tourist Apartment Growth

The spread of holiday homes and tourist facilities, often replacing farmland and contributing to soil compaction and pollution.

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Desertification

A type of land degradation that occurs in dry areas, causing the land to become increasingly barren and less productive.

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Overgrazing

When too many animals graze in a specific area, leading to excessive vegetation loss and soil erosion.

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Overcultivation

Agricultural practices that overwork the soil, causing it to become exhausted from nutrient loss and erosion.

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Fallow

A period where land is left unused to allow the soil to recover its fertility.

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Salinization

The process of using excessive water for irrigation, leading to a buildup of salts in the soil and making it less suitable for plant growth.

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Bad Agricultural Practices

Poor farming practices that can damage the soil and decrease its productivity.

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Dust Bowl

An extreme event in the 1930s in North America, where severe dust storms ravaged farmlands due to overcultivation and drought. It caused economic hardship and contributed to soil erosion.

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Deforestation

Excessive clearing of forests and vegetation, often driven by needs for fuelwood and development. This leads to the creation of agricultural land, pastoral land, and fuelwood resources.

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Pesticides and Soil Damage

Chemical pesticides, while protecting crops, can harm the soil by eliminating beneficial insects and micro-organisms responsible for nutrient replenishment.

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Sheet Erosion

The process where surface water, flowing downhill or across a field, removes thin layers of soil, leading to soil loss.

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Rill Erosion

Similar to sheet erosion, but where flowing water forms small channels, cutting into the soil.

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Gully Erosion

Advanced stage of erosion where channels become wider and deeper, forming gullies. This significantly damages land.

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Sustainable Agriculture

A farming approach emphasizing environmentally sound practices. It minimizes reliance on industrial methods like monoculture, pesticides, and fertilizers.

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Sustainable Farming Practices

Techniques employed in sustainable agriculture aimed at imitating natural ecological processes. Minimizing tilling, using diverse crops, and promoting natural pest control are key.

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Conservation Tillage

A farming technique that aims to minimize soil disturbance, leaving crop residues on the surface to protect and improve the soil.

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Contour Ploughing

Ploughing across a slope following its contour lines, creating furrows that slow water runoff and reduce soil erosion.

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Contour Planting

Planting crops in rows across a slope, rather than up and down, to reduce water runoff and soil erosion.

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Crop Rotation

Planting a variety of crops in a sequence to improve soil health, control pests, and prevent erosion.

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Crop and Residue Cover

The use of plant residues and living plants to cover the soil, reducing erosion and improving soil health.

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Terracing

A method of reducing erosion on steep slopes by creating a series of flat, level terraces that run across the slope.

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Earthen Embankments

Building earthen embankments across a slope to intercept runoff water and reduce soil erosion.

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Residue Management

The practice of leaving crop residues on the soil surface after harvest to protect the soil and improve its health.

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Study Notes

Soil

  • Soil is a thin layer covering most land areas
  • It is essential for human existence, providing food production, water storage, and support for biodiversity
  • Soil formation involves weathering, organic matter incorporation, interaction with the environment, and development of a distinct structure (soil horizons)
  • Soil is composed of air, water, minerals, organic matter, and organisms
  • Soil's composition varies based on climate, rock type, topography, and soil-forming processes
  • The process begins with bedrock breakdown forming regolith, the loose material overlying rock
  • Soil profiles are vertical cross-sections showing different layers (horizons)

Soil Horizons

  • O-horizon: organic material on top
  • A-horizon: topsoil, top layer of soil
  • B-horizon: subsoil, middle layer
  • C-horizon: loose material, lowest layer
  • R/D-horizon: unweathered parent rock

Soil System

  • Materials and energy are gained and lost, cycling through inputs, outputs, stores, processes, and recycling
  • Inputs: water, precipitation, gases, nutrients from decaying matter, respiration of soil organisms
  • Outputs: nutrients taken up by plants, water loss, erosion of soil particles
  • Soil components: water, air, organic matter, organisms, and mineral particles, in varying percentages

Factors Influencing Soil Formation

  • Parent material (rock type)
  • Climate
  • Living organisms (plant cover)
  • Human influence
  • Topography
  • Length of time the soil has been forming

Soil of the Maltese Islands

  • Maltese soils are fertile despite geographical and climatic limitations
  • Soil contamination arises from various sources such as quarries, factories, and waste dumps
  • Diverse soil types exist, from bare sea cliffs to agricultural areas with terracing, reflecting varying landscapes
  • Soils often have a high clay content (over 48%), impacting workability but also nutrient retention and water filtration
  • Land degradation from development activities has reduced agricultural land over the past 30 years

Soil Erosion

  • Natural erosion (wind and water) and human activities cause soil erosion, impacting soil fertility
  • Desertification is land degradation resulting from adverse human impacts
  • Overgrazing leads to vegetation loss and soil erosion
  • Overcultivation depletes nutrients and causes erosion
  • Soil erosion can take forms like sheet erosion (when surface water moves across a slope or a field and removes layers of soil), rill erosion (the surface water forms small channels), and gully erosion (larger channels)
  • Salinisation- excessive concentrations of salts in irrigated soil, affects yields and can kill plants

Soil Conservation

  • Sustainable agriculture prioritizes ecological processes that mimic nature rather than industrial methods
  • Soil conservation is about reducing erosion, preventing loss of fertility, and restoring land
  • Conservation tillage practices involve minimizing soil disturbance, protecting the soil surface, and using crop rotations, to preserve soil health and prevent erosion.
  • Contour ploughing, terracing, wind erosion control, strip cropping, and crop rotation are conservation techniques used for soil protection and management

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