Soil – Flashcard
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soil mismanagement
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overgrazing and deforestation are results of poor agricultural practices
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The land management technique of __________ helps limit topsoil loss.
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contour farming
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Overgrazing, poor irrigation, and poor soil management all contribute to which environmental problem?
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soil erosion
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Why is it important for farmers to switch to less destructive agricultural methods?
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Less destructive agricultural methods reduce soil erosion. Preventing soil erosion will help stop the desertification of landmasses and protect the ecosystem.
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Fertilizers and pesticides can lead to soil mismanagement by ____________.
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poisoning soil organisms
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Which is a reason that tundra and desert both have shallow soil profiles?
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There is little precipitation.
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Characteristics of soil profiles may be closely related to __________.
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moisture
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In soil profile, which is the most fertile layer?
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top soil
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How is soil formed?
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Soil is formed by the weathering of rocks, mechanically or chemically. Waves pounding on a sea cliff are a form of mechanical weathering. Rusting of iron-containing minerals, such as biotite, is an example of chemical weathering.
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Which is not a common cause of soil mismanagement?
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Crop rotaion
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Overgrazing, deforestation, and poor irrigation and cultivation all contribute significantly to __________.
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soil erosion
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How might irrigation harm soil and soil organisms?
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It can water log topsoil.
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Best for growing most plants, which soil has good drainage and sufficient moisture?
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loam
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Scientists who study soil divide it into layers called_________.
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horizons
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Which term describes the area of bedrock from which soil forms?
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parent rock
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Depending on climate and other factors, which is a reasonable length of time for soil to form from bedrock to fertile soil?
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1,000 years
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In the United States, unwise land-use practice lead to annual losses of topsoil by wind and water totaling ______________.
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1.5 billion metrc tons
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Overgrazing and poor cultivation can led to _______________.
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desertification
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Which is a characteristic of soil with a high percentage of clay?
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able to hold water
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Shelter belts prevent topsoil because __________.
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trees act as windbreakers
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Nearly one billion dollars a year are spent on clearing sediment from streams and lakes in the United States. Which is the most common source of this sediment?
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hilly areas where protected by vegetation has been moved
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