All Flashcards
What is the effect of soil erosion?
Loss of fertile topsoil, reduced crop yields, and increased sedimentation in waterways.
What is the effect of overgrazing?
Damaged pastures, soil erosion, and reduced biodiversity.
What is the effect of tilling?
Increased soil erosion, loss of soil structure, and release of carbon dioxide.
What is the effect of healthy soil?
Healthy plant growth, carbon sequestration, and water filtration.
What is the effect of monoculture farming?
Depletion of soil nutrients, increased pest susceptibility, and reduced biodiversity.
What is the effect of deforestation for agriculture?
Increased soil erosion, habitat loss, and contribution to climate change.
What is the effect of pesticide use?
Harm to non-target organisms, development of pesticide resistance, and water contamination.
What is the effect of fertilizer overuse?
Water pollution (eutrophication), soil degradation, and greenhouse gas emissions.
What is the effect of irrigation in arid regions?
Soil salinization, depletion of water resources, and altered ecosystems.
What is the effect of climate change on agriculture?
Altered growing seasons, increased pest outbreaks, and more frequent extreme weather events.
Define sustainable agriculture.
Using resources wisely to meet current needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs.
What is contour plowing?
Plowing with the land's natural curves to minimize soil disturbance and erosion.
Define no-till agriculture.
An agricultural technique that minimizes soil preparation and disturbance.
What are windbreaks (shelterbelts)?
Rows of trees or bushes planted to block the wind and protect soil from erosion.
What are hedgerows?
Windbreaks planted at the edges of fields for extra protection against wind erosion.
Define terracing.
Creating flat steps on hillsides to reduce soil loss on slopes.
What is strip farming?
Alternating rows of crops with unplanted areas to prevent erosion and improve soil health.
Define crop rotation.
Planting different crops in a sequence to improve soil health and fertility.
What is green manure?
Letting leftover crop parts decompose in the soil to add nutrients back.
What is pasture rotation?
Rotating grazing areas for livestock to prevent overgrazing and maintain pasture health.
Why is soil health important?
Healthy soil supports plant growth, prevents erosion, and contributes to overall ecosystem health.
How does contour plowing prevent soil erosion?
By following the land's natural curves, it minimizes soil disturbance and reduces water runoff, thus preventing erosion.
What are the benefits of no-till agriculture?
Reduces erosion, keeps soil structure intact, and can improve water infiltration.
How do windbreaks protect soil?
They act as a barrier, reducing wind speed and preventing wind erosion of topsoil.
What is the purpose of terracing on steep slopes?
Creates flat areas to reduce water runoff and soil erosion, making it possible to cultivate otherwise unusable land.
How does crop rotation improve soil health?
Different crops have different nutrient needs and can replenish specific nutrients in the soil, preventing depletion.
What role do legumes play in crop rotation?
Legumes add nitrogen back into the soil, which is essential for plant growth and reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers.
How does green manure benefit the soil?
Adds organic matter and nutrients back into the soil, improving its structure and fertility.
Why is calcium important for plant growth?
Calcium is an essential nutrient for cell wall development and overall plant health.
What are ecosystem services?
The many and varied benefits that humans freely gain from the natural environment and from properly-functioning ecosystems. Soil health is a crucial ecosystem service.