Water
True or false: Water is considered a renewable resource.
True — water is restored again and again by the water cycle.
Name two things that soil is made of.
Any two of: minerals, dead and living organisms, air, water.
Name one thing humans do that causes air pollution.
Any of: drive cars, run factories, burn fossil fuels.
What is irrigation?
The application of controlled amounts of water to plants.
In your own words, what does it mean to be a steward of something?
Being a steward means taking responsibility for taking care of something — using and protecting it wisely.
Colorado is one of only two 'headwater states.' What does that mean?
No rivers flow INTO Colorado. Nearly all water comes from rain and snow that falls within the state.
How long can it take for just one inch of topsoil to develop?
Hundreds or even thousands of years.
What is air pollution?
The presence of a substance in the air that has harmful or poisonous effects.
What are two benefits of planting cover crops after harvest?
holds soil in place, absorbs extra nutrients like nitrogen, prevents nutrient runoff, increases soil health, improves water retention, increases yield, decreases greenhouse gas emissions.
Why is agricultural stewardship important to ALL people, not just farmers?
Farmers and ranchers provide the food we eat and the fabric for our clothing. Healthy soil, water, and air affect everyone — we all need healthy food today and in the future.
What percentage of Colorado's precipitation is left for human, industrial, and agricultural use after the natural environment takes its share?
Only 15%. The natural environment uses 85% of precipitation.
Name two things that can threaten or damage soil.
erosion, compaction, contamination, urban development.
Describe what a brown haze in the sky is and what causes it.
It is visible air pollution caused by human activities like driving, running factories, and burning fossil fuels.
How does crop rotation reduce the need for fertilizer?
When crops are rotated, the soil naturally replenishes nutrients, so fewer fertilizers are needed — which also reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
A soil scientist checks 'soil health.' Name three specific practices that keep Colorado soil healthy and strong.
keeping the ground covered (cover crops), rotating crops season to season, actively managing grazing by livestock, minimal tillage, no-till farming.
Colorado's statewide average precipitation is only 17 inches per year, but one region gets much more. Where, and how much?
The mountains receive closer to 60 inches of precipitation per year. Higher elevations are colder, and colder air holds less water.
Describe what happens in the leaching/eluviation layer. and why it looks lighter in color than the other layers.
Water drips through it, carrying away most of its minerals and clay, leaving mostly sand and silt, which is why it looks lighter.
How does clean air benefit plants, animals, and humans differently?
Humans can breathe more easily and be more active; plants grow better; animals can thrive without breathing in pollutants.
Explain how precision agriculture uses technology to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
GPS systems let farmers vary the amount of water and fertilizer in different parts of a field based on plant needs. Drones treat specific areas for weeds, pests, and nutrients — leading to higher yields with fewer inputs.
What role does healthy soil play in fighting climate change? Give two specific ways.
Healthy soil holds more water (conserving water use) and stores carbon — keeping carbon out of the atmosphere and helping keep the Earth cool.
The Colorado Water Plan was created in 2015 to prepare for a major population change. Describe the plan's four main goals.
Colorado's population is expected to double from 5 million to 10 million by 2050. The plan supports healthy watersheds, thriving cities, viable agriculture, and recreation and tourism.
What are the 6 layers of soil. in order.
leaf litter and humus, topsoil, eluviation layer, subsoil regolith, bedrock.
How does minimal tillage help reduce air pollution?
Tilling turns soil over, releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere. Minimal/no-till keeps carbon in the soil, reduces emissions, preserves soil microorganisms, holds moisture, and reduces erosion from wind and water.
A dairy farmer recycles water through a complete cycle. List each step of that cycle from milking to field and back.
Water cleans the milking area and equipment → flushes manure from the barn → is blended with irrigation water → nourishes crops in the field → those crops are harvested and fed back to the dairy cows.
Colorado farmers have been stewards of natural resources for hundreds of years, but their methods have changed. What new role is the Colorado Department of Agriculture playing to support this stewardship today?
The CDA works with farmers and ranchers to create new Colorado soil health programs, find ways to improve water, soil, and air quality, and helps farmers develop renewable energy on their land to save money and help the environment.