Weathering and Soil Microbes
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Questions and Answers

What are the three forms of weathering?

  • Physical, Chemical, Biological (correct)
  • Mechanical, Chemical, Biological
  • Physical, Thermal, Biological
  • Biological, Chemical, Structural

Which mechanism is NOT an enhancement of plant growth by microorganisms?

  • Repelling pathogenic microbes
  • Manipulating hormonal signaling
  • Increasing bioavailability of nutrients
  • Decreasing soil pH (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of soil microbes?

  • Contributing to decomposition
  • Increasing soil salinity (correct)
  • Improving soil structure
  • Protecting plants from pathogens

How do soils function in the carbon cycle?

<p>Soils store more carbon than the atmosphere (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a soil threat?

<p>Draining wetlands (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the major technological advances defining modern agriculture?

<p>Development of irrigation systems, synthetic fertilizers, synthetic pesticides (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of water contamination from modern agricultural practices?

<p>Fertilizer runoff leading to eutrophication (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What consequence arises from soil compaction in agriculture?

<p>Reduced soil aeration (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main benefit of aquaponics compared to traditional farming?

<p>Uses significantly less water and produces more food. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a core principle of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?

<p>Employing cultural practices and biological controls before using pesticides. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant challenge associated with aquaponics systems?

<p>It demands substantial expertise in aquaculture and hydroponics management. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does composting contribute to environmental sustainability?

<p>Enhances soil structure and reduces landfill waste. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do trees and shrubs play in agroforestry?

<p>They enhance biodiversity and sequester carbon. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about IPM is true?

<p>It has successfully reduced pesticide use in several countries. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which method has cities like San Francisco implemented to enhance sustainability?

<p>Implementing large-scale composting initiatives. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary ecological benefit of agroforestry systems?

<p>Sequesters carbon and enhances biodiversity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main benefit of using conservation tillage?

<p>Reduces soil disturbance and enhances moisture retention (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which practice is specifically designed to mimic natural grazing patterns?

<p>Mob grazing (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant challenge associated with mob grazing?

<p>Careful planning to avoid overgrazing (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How much of the land did hedgerows sequester carbon in California's tomato fields?

<p>6% of the land (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What has been the trend in global freshwater use over the last century?

<p>It has increased sixfold (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main driving forces behind the increase in global freshwater use?

<p>Improved living standards (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a watershed also known as?

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

Which practice helps in reducing soil erosion while providing habitat for wildlife?

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

What is a consequence of excessive groundwater pumping?

<p>Wells may dry up (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a principle for community governance of common goods?

<p>Limitations on Autonomy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the tragedy of the commons?

<p>Overexploitation of a shared resource (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which issue is related to funding shortages in water management?

<p>Insufficient investment in regulation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key interconnection of the Nexus approach?

<p>Water management requires energy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines the common good in resource systems?

<p>Subtraction of resources due to consumption (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an attribute for managing common goods?

<p>Unlimited exploitation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What causes land subsidence in water management?

<p>Loss of soil stability (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Weathering

The process of breaking down rocks into smaller particles, forming soil. This happens through physical, chemical, and biological means.

Physical Weathering

The breakdown of rocks by mechanical forces like temperature changes, abrasion, or frost. Imagine a rock cracking from freezing water expanding in its cracks.

Chemical Weathering

The breakdown of rocks through chemical reactions, such as minerals reacting with water, air, or other chemicals. Think of acid rain dissolving limestone.

Biological Weathering

The breakdown of rocks by living organisms, like plant roots splitting rocks or burrowing animals allowing air and water to penetrate. Imagine a tree root growing into a rock and splitting it.

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Soil Microorganisms and Plant Growth

Microbes play a crucial role in plant growth by: 1. manipulating plant hormones, 2. fighting disease-causing microbes, and 3. making nutrients accessible. Imagine tiny helpers working to keep plants healthy and thriving.

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Benefits of Soil Microbes

Soil microbes provide many benefits, including: improving soil structure, making nutrients accessible, protecting plants from diseases, and decomposing organic matter into humus. Imagine a team of tiny workers making soil rich and fertile.

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Soil and the Carbon Cycle

Soil acts as a major carbon sink, storing more carbon than the atmosphere. Photosynthesis and decomposition add carbon, while respiration and oxidation remove it. Healthy soil practices can help sequester carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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Soil Threats

Human activities like deforestation, salinization, compaction, and erosion threaten soil health. Imagine activities that harm the delicate balance of soil.

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Aquaponics

A sustainable farming method combining fish raising (aquaculture) and soilless plant cultivation (hydroponics). Fish waste provides plant nutrients, and plants filter water for the fish.

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Aquaponics Benefits

Highly water-efficient (uses 1/6th of traditional farming), produces 6-8 times more food per acre, avoids soil-borne diseases, eliminates chemical fertilizers/pesticides.

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Aquaponics Challenges

Requires significant initial investment, demands expertise in both fish and plant management.

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Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

An ecosystem-based approach to manage pests with minimal environmental impact. Combines natural controls, cultural practices, and limited chemical use.

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IPM Principles

Begin with preventive measures, use pesticides only when pest populations exceed economic thresholds.

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IPM Success

Globally successful in reducing pesticide use (e.g., Sweden, Denmark). Reduces long-term costs and environmental harm.

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Composting

Aerobic decomposition of organic waste to produce nutrient-rich soil amendments.

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Composting Benefits

Reduces landfill waste and methane emissions, enhances soil structure, water retention, and fertility. Minimizes synthetic fertilizers and improves carbon storage.

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Agroforestry

A land management system that integrates trees and shrubs with crops or livestock. This helps preserve biodiversity, improve soil health, and provide additional income.

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Silvopasture

A type of agroforestry where trees are integrated with grazing livestock. This provides shade for animals, improves soil fertility, and helps control erosion.

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Riparian Buffers

Vegetated areas along waterways that help filter pollutants, prevent erosion, and provide habitat for wildlife.

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Windbreaks

Rows of trees planted to reduce wind speed and protect crops, livestock, and soil from wind erosion.

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Conservation Tillage

Farming practices that minimize soil disturbance, leaving crop residues on the surface to protect the soil.

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Mob Grazing

A method of grazing livestock in small, concentrated areas for short periods, followed by long recovery periods. This mimics natural grazing patterns and promotes soil health.

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Watershed

The land area from which surface runoff drains into a specific water body.

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Freshwater Use Drivers

Factors that increase global freshwater demand, including population growth, higher living standards, dietary shifts, and irrigated agriculture.

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Lowering of the Water Table

Excessive pumping of groundwater lowers the water table, causing wells to run dry.

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Saltwater Intrusion

Excessive groundwater pumping near coastal areas can draw saltwater from the ocean into freshwater aquifers, contaminating the water supply.

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Land Subsidence

Groundwater depletion can cause soil compaction and land to sink, leading to damage to buildings and infrastructure.

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Tragedy of the Commons

When individuals exploit a shared resource for personal gain, ultimately leading to its depletion due to lack of coordinated management.

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Common Good

A resource like water that is subtractable (one user's consumption reduces availability for others) and difficult to exclude others from using.

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Shared Vision

A community's collective understanding of the resource and its importance, as well as the consequences of unsustainable actions.

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Self-Organization and Conflict Resolution

The ability of a community to create rules and resolve disputes related to resource management.

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Water-Energy Nexus

The interconnected relationship between water and energy systems where energy production relies on water and water management requires energy.

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Study Notes

Weathering

  • Weathering is the gradual breakdown of rocks into soil.
  • Three types of weathering exist:
    • Physical Weathering: Breakdown by mechanical forces (temperature changes, abrasion, frost).
    • Chemical Weathering: Breakdown by chemical reactions (water, air, other chemicals reacting with minerals).
    • Biological Weathering: Breakdown by living organisms (plant roots, burrowing animals).

Microorganisms and Plant Growth

  • Microorganisms boost plant growth through:
    • Manipulating plant hormones for increased growth.
    • Preventing plant diseases and pathogens.
    • Making nutrients more readily available to plants.

Soil Microbes Benefits

  • Improved soil structure.
  • Enhanced nutrient availability for plants.
  • Protection of plants from pathogens.
  • Contribution to humus formation (decomposition process).

Soil and the Carbon Cycle

  • Soil acts as a significant carbon sink, holding more carbon than the atmosphere.
  • Carbon enters the soil through photosynthesis and organic matter decay.
  • Carbon can be lost through respiration and oxidation.
  • Healthy soil management can store more carbon and mitigate greenhouse gases.

Soil Threats

  • Deforestation (soil erosion, loss of fertility).
  • Salinization (salt accumulation, reduced productivity).
  • Soil compaction (reduced aeration and water infiltration).
  • Erosion (loss of topsoil by wind or water).

Modern Agriculture Technological Advances

  • Irrigation systems
  • Synthetic fertilizers
  • Synthetic pesticides

Natural Capital Degradation from Modern Agriculture

  • Soil Degradation:
    • Loss of organic matter
    • Soil compaction
  • Water Contamination:
    • Fertilizer runoff (eutrophication)
    • Pesticide contamination of groundwater
  • Biodiversity Loss:
    • Decline in pollinator populations
    • Habitat destruction (monocultures)
  • Climate Change Contribution:
    • Increased greenhouse gas emissions from fertilizers.
    • Carbon release from soil degradation

Aquaponics

  • Sustainable agricultural system combining aquaculture (fish farming) and hydroponics (soilless plant cultivation).
  • Symbiotic system: fish waste provides nutrients for plants, and plants filter water for fish.
  • Highly water-efficient (1/6th of traditional farming water use), producing more food per acre.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

  • Ecosystem-based strategy for pest management with minimal environmental impact.
  • Integrates biological controls, cultural practices, and precise chemical use.
  • Reduces long-term costs and environmental harm (e.g., pesticide use reduction by >50% in some countries).

Composting

  • Aerobic decomposition of organic waste to create nutrient-rich soil amendments.
  • Reduces landfill waste and methane emissions while improving soil structure, water retention, fertility and carbon storage.

Agroforestry

  • Integrates trees and shrubs with crops or livestock.
  • Enhances biodiversity, reduces erosion minimizes chemicals and sequesters carbon through deeper root systems and longer-term biomass storage.

Conservation Tillage

  • Reduces soil disturbance by leaving residues on the soil surface.
  • Improved soil health (carbon sequestration, reduced erosion, improved moisture retention).

Mob Grazing

  • Mimics natural grazing patterns for balanced manure distribution, deeper root growth, increased plant diversity, and drought resilience.

Watersheds

  • Land area where surface runoff drains into a specific water body (stream, lake, wetland).

Freshwater Use Evolution

  • Global freshwater use has increased sixfold over the past century.
  • Key driving forces include population growth, improved living standards, dietary shifts (increased meat consumption), and expansion of irrigated agriculture.

Groundwater Depletion Consequences

  • Lowering the water table.
  • Decline in surface water.
  • Increased costs.
  • Saltwater intrusion.
  • Land subsidence.

Common Good

  • Resource system (e.g., water) that exhibits subtractability and difficulty in exclusion.

Tragedy of the Commons

  • Over-exploitation of a shared resource due to a lack of coordinated management.

Community Governance Principles

  • Shared Vision
  • Self-Organization and Conflict Resolution
  • Community Autonomy

Community Governance Attributes

  • Resource Renewal
  • Monitoring Mechanisms
  • Predictability

Water Management Issues

  • Growing demand across sectors (balancing competing uses).
  • Extension of rules and usage rights (clarifying regulatory frameworks).

Nexus Approach

  • Addresses interlinkages among water, energy, and food systems.
  • Highlights scarcity of resources and need for coordinated management to avoid trade-offs that compromise sustainability.

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Description

This quiz covers the process of weathering and its impact on soil formation. It delves into the roles of microorganisms in enhancing plant growth and overall soil health. Additionally, it discusses the importance of soil in the carbon cycle, highlighting its role as a carbon sink.

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