Soil Formation
This top layer of soil takes 300–500 years to form from bedrock.
topsoil
This universal substance is called the “universal solvent.”
Water
Planting crops without plowing or disking the soil is called this.
no-till farming
Precipitation is another word for this.
rain and snow
About 10% of U.S. cropland is highly erodible. How many acres is this?
41 million acres
Dead plants and animals in soil contribute to this important component.
organic matter
The top layer of soil that is completely saturated with water is called this.
Water Table
Alternating rows of row crops with close-growing crops to prevent erosion.
strip cropping
A town with a harbor used for shipping is called this.
Port
Each year, U.S. farmland loses this many tons of soil.
1.6 billion tons
This type of soil erosion forms narrow, deep trenches.
gully erosion
Water available for plant roots is called this.
Capillary Water
This is planted to temporarily protect soil from erosion.
cover crop
The process of removing foreign materials from water or soil.
Purify
This type of water-bearing rock formation stores groundwater.
An aquifer
A substance added to soil to reduce acidity
lime
Water leaves the soil or bodies of water in the form of gas in this process.
Evaporation
Material added to soil to break the fall of raindrops and reduce erosion.
mulch
Soil with high nutrient content and quality is said to have this.
Fertility
Land under heat and compression over time produces these two natural resources.
coal and oil
This type of plan is prepared by professionals to conserve soil and water while maximizing productivity.
conservation plan
Improvement of this can be achieved by proper water use, land management, and careful storage.
Water quality
Planting along the natural level of the land to reduce erosion is called this.
contour farming
Supplying additional water to crops artificially is called this.
Irrigation
The interdependence of plants, animals, and humans for food is called this.
Food Chain