Soil Vocabulary
This term refers to the ability of soil to support plant growth by providing the nutrients and conditions necessary for healthy crops.
What is soil fertility.
The solid, unweathered layer of rock beneath the soil
What is bedrock.
All soil begins as what?
What is bedrock.
What human activity negatively impacts soil due to cutting down forests for logging and land development?
What is deforestation.
What are the 8 conservation methods discussed in class?
What is terrace farming, contour plowing, strip planting, no-till farming, crop rotation, cover crops, wind breaks, and mulching.
This term refers to the process by which organic matter breaks down into simpler substances, contributing to soil fertility.
What is decomposition.
The layer of soil that contains more minerals and less humus and is often referred to as Horizon B.
What is subsoil.
If you were to observe a handful of soil, what would you most likely fins?
What are rock particles, minerals, decayed organic material, water and air.
Fill in the blank: If humans do not work towards a more ____________________ practices, then Earth's natural resources will become dramatically reduced or completely gone.
What is sustainable.
What technique is used when farmers plant grasses and clover with no intention of harvesting either.
What is cover crops.
This term refers to the efforts made by the human race to protect and maintain natural resources, such as soil, water, and minerals, ensuring their availability for the future.
What is conservation.
The horizon that refers to the weathered bedrock that all soil forms from.
What is C Horizon.
What percentage of soil is categorized as water?
What is 25%.
What example from U.S. history can we use to better understand why farming practices are important for soil conservation?
What is the 1930s Dust Bowl.
What is adding a layer of pine straw or compost to the top of the soil?
What is mulching.
This term refers to materials found in nature that are valuable for humans and ecosystems.
What is natural resources.
Crumbly, dark brown soil that is rich in humus, clay, and other minerals.
What is A Horizon/Topsoil
Soil is divided into different zone based on the texture, structure, composition, and color of each layer. These zones are known as what?
How can humans work to preserve Earth's soils?
What is crop rotation?
What is when farmers rotate the types of crops grown in a field in order to prevent the depletion of nutrients within the soil.
This term refers to using resources in a way that preserves them for future generations.
What is sustainability.
As you move deeper into the soil, soil fertility does what?
What is decreases.
How does compost help soil conservation?
What is Compost enriches soil, provides a barrier over the soil protecting it from wind and water erosion, and helps the soil retain moisture.
How can human activity negatively affect the Earth's surface?
What is human activity can increase soil erosion leading to the decrease of soil fertility and crop production.
Explain why soil conservation methods are important?
Soil conservation is important because it maintains soil fertility and prevents the soil profile from disruption.