the expansion of desert condition as a result of natural plant cover being destroyed
100
how does construction hurt soil?
by digging up constructions sites, plant covers are removed, resulting in soil being blown or washed away
200
what is exfoliation?
when layers of rocks break off slowly
200
Which four materials make up soil?
weathered rock particles, organic matter, water, and air
200
What are the four reasons why soil is important?
1. supports growth of plants
2. purifies or cleans water
3. recycles and releases nutrients back to plants
4. provides homes for living things
200
How does mining affect soil? (2 reasons)
- exposes rocks and minerals to the air and speeds up the rate of chemical weathering
- sulfide minerals are exposed, causing acid drainage or acid rain water
300
How does water weather rocks?
water expands as it freezes, forcing rocks to break
300
What are the three horizons and their properties?
A : most organic matter
B: little organic matter
C: largest and least weathered particles
300
What human activities affect soil? Why?
Farming, Mining, construction
-exposes soil to wind and water
300
What is crop rotation and how does crop rotation help save soil?
Crop rotation is when different crops are plants in different seasons and time to help give back nutrients to the soil
400
What are the four types of mechanical and describe them
Why is soil in a mountain different from soil in a valley?
Soil in mountains have thinner A horizons because it washes down when it rains
400
How does farming affect soil?
- fertilizers makes it hard for microorganisms to provide nutrients naturally
- clearing plants cover exposes soil to rain and wind
-overgrazing destroys natural vegetation and exposes soil to wind and rain
400
What are the similarities between contour plowing and terracing?
Both methods are used on slanted land, to prevents soil from washing down during rain .
500
What is the main cause of mechanic weathering and why does air pollution cause faster chemical weathering?
water
pollution causes rain to be more acidic
500
How do animals affect soil?
Animals loosen and mix the soil, bring partly weathered particles to the surface, and return nutrients to the soil
500
What are the five ways soil can be protected and conserved?
crop rotation, conservation tillage,terrace, contour plowing, and windbreaks
500
What are the five ways soil can be protected and conserved?
crop rotation, conservation tillage,terrace, contour plowing, and windbreaks