pH, Acids, & Bases
What does pH measure in a substance?
pH measures the acidity or alkalinity (hydrogen ion concentration).
What is soil ?
Soil is a mixture of minerals, organic matter, water, and air that supports plant life.
What is the water cycle (one-sentence definition)?
The water cycle is the continuous movement of water through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.
What information does a balance sheet show for a farm business?
Balance sheet shows assets, liabilities, and owner’s equity at a point in time.
What is pollution?
Pollution is the introduction of harmful substances or energy into the environment.
State one difference between acids and bases in terms of hydrogen ion concentration.
Acids have higher [H+][H+] (more hydrogen ions) than bases.
Name two main components found in soil besides minerals
Organic matter (humus) and living organisms (worms, microbes).
Give two places where water can be stored on Earth (examples).
Oceans, rivers, lakes, groundwater, glaciers.
Define "asset" in a business context and give one farm example.
Asset example: tractors, livestock, buildings, cash.
Name two causes of pollution relevant to agriculture
Causes include pesticide/herbicide runoff, fertilizer runoff, manure mismanagement, sediment from erosion.
On the pH scale, which range is considered acidic, neutral, and basic (alkaline)?
Acidic: 0−6, Neutral: 7, Basic (alkaline): 8−14.
Define parent material in soil formation.
Parent material is the original rock or sediment from which soil develops.
Name and briefly describe two processes in the water cycle that change water’s form (e.g., liquid to vapor).
Evaporation (liquid to gas), Condensation (gas to liquid), Freezing/melting, Sublimation.
Define "liability" and give one farm example.
Liability example: loans, accounts payable.
What is point-source pollution? Give one agricultural example.
Point-source: single identifiable source (e.g., discharge pipe from a processing facility).
Explain how soil pH can affect nutrient availability for plants.
Certain nutrients become less available at very low or very high pH (e.g., phosphorus availability peaks near neutral pH).
Explain what soil porosity is and why it matters for plant growth.
Porosity is the amount of pore space in soil that holds air and water; it affects drainage and root growth.
Explain how topography influences surface water flow and one consequence for agriculture.
Steep slopes increase runoff and erosion; flat areas allow infiltration; affects irrigation design and soil conservation.
What is a current liability? Give one example a farm might have.
Current liability: debt due within one year (e.g., short-term operating loan).
What is non-point source pollution? Give one agricultural example.
Non-point source: diffuse sources (e.g., runoff of fertilizers from many fields).
Describe one practical method farmers can use to raise or lower soil pH and why they would do so.
To raise pH (make more basic) add lime (calcium carbonate); to lower pH (make more acidic) add sulfur or acid-forming fertilizers.
Describe how sand, silt, and clay differ in particle size and one effect each has on soil properties
Sand = largest particles (good drainage, low water retention); silt = medium (smooth, moderate water retention); clay = smallest (high water/nutrient retention, poor drainage).
Define watershed and explain why understanding watersheds is important for managing farm runoff.
A watershed is an area of land where all water drains to the same outlet; managing it helps control pollution and water supply.
Show how to calculate owner's equity using assets and liabilities (write the equation and explain each term).
Equity equation: Equity=Assets−LiabilitiesEquity=Assets−Liabilities. Assets are what the business owns; liabilities are what it owes. Teachers should verify calculations for sample numbers.
Describe one best management practice that can reduce agricultural pollution entering waterways.
Practices: buffer strips, contour farming, cover crops, proper manure storage.