Vocabulary
PLANTS GROWN WHEN A FIELD IS NOT BEING USED, THEN MIXED INTO THE SOIL TO HELP THE NEXT CROP GROW BETTER.
Cover Crops
What biome lies on the other side of grasslands besides forests?
Deserts
What major 1930s event demonstrated poor grassland management?
The Dust Bowl
What federal agency conserves soils for agriculture?
NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service)
What farming method leaves crop stubble in the field and minimizes soil disturbance?
No-till farming
WHEN ANIMALS EAT TOO MUCH GRASS, DAMAGING THE LAND AND Soil THROUGH EROSION AND LOSS OF SOD
Overgrazing
What are broadleaf plants commonly found in grasslands called?
Forbs
What is the spread of human infrastructure called?
Urbanization
What does the Farm Bill provide to landowners who conserve grasslands?
Incentives
What are off-season plants grown to improve soil and reduce erosion called?
Cover crops
PLANTING DIFFERENT CROPS IN AN AREA EACH YEAR
Rotational Crops
In what three continents are savannas most common?
Africa, Australia, and South America
What is the division of habitat into smaller pieces called?
Fragmentation
What 1934 law sends 98% of proceeds to habitat acquisition?
Duck Stamp Act
During rotational grazing, livestock should be moved when grass reaches what height?
3-4 inches
METHOD OF CAREFULLY MANAGING AND MOVING LIVESTOCK BETWEEN AREAS OF LAND TO PREVENT OVERGRAZING
Rotational Grazing
What type of grassland occurs in mountainous, high-altitude regions?
Montane grasslands
What are the three major threats to grasslands today?
Unsustainable agriculture, urbanization, and climate change
What management practice uses controlled fire to maintain grasslands?
Prescribed burns
After grazing, grass should regrow to what height before livestock return?
At least 6 inches
FARMING THAT KEEPS SOIL HEALTHY AND PROTECTS THE ENVIRONMENT.
Sustainable Agriculture
Savannas can form when forests are cleared by humans and become what type of habitat?
Derived savannas
What process occurs when fertile land becomes unable to support vegetation?
Desertification
Approximately how long does it take to form 3 cm of topsoil?
About 1,000 years
Why does rotational crop planting improve soil health?
Different crops replenish nutrients and help prevent nutrient depletion.