Soil – Flashcard
Unlock all answers in this set
Unlock answersquestion
bedrock
answer
igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rock of the lithosphere that may exist as mountains, cliffs, or low-lying plains
question
parent rock
answer
an area of bedrock that is the source of an area of soil
question
soil
answer
a mixture of mineral particles, air, water, and living and decaying organisms
question
soil profile
answer
a vertical cross section of soil from the ground surface down to the bedrock
question
soil mismanagement
answer
overgrazing and deforestation are results of poor agricultural practices
question
The land management technique of __________ helps limit topsoil loss.
answer
contour farming
question
Overgrazing, poor irrigation, and poor soil management all contribute to which environmental problem?
answer
soil erosion
question
Why is it important for farmers to switch to less destructive agricultural methods?
answer
Less destructive agricultural methods reduce soil erosion. Preventing soil erosion will help stop the desertification of landmasses and protect the ecosystem.
question
Fertilizers and pesticides can lead to soil mismanagement by ____________.
answer
poisoning soil organisms
question
Which is a reason that tundra and desert both have shallow soil profiles?
answer
There is little precipitation.
question
Characteristics of soil profiles may be closely related to __________.
answer
moisture
question
In soil profile, which is the most fertile layer?
answer
top soil
question
How is soil formed?
answer
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.
question
Which is not a common cause of soil mismanagement?
answer
Crop rotaion
question
Overgrazing, deforestation, and poor irrigation and cultivation all contribute significantly to __________.
answer
soil erosion
question
How might irrigation harm soil and soil organisms?
answer
It can water log topsoil.
question
Best for growing most plants, which soil has good drainage and sufficient moisture?
answer
loam
question
Scientists who study soil divide it into layers called_________.
answer
horizons
question
Which term describes the area of bedrock from which soil forms?
answer
parent rock
question
Depending on climate and other factors, which is a reasonable length of time for soil to form from bedrock to fertile soil?
answer
1,000 years
question
In the United States, unwise land-use practice lead to annual losses of topsoil by wind and water totaling ______________.
answer
1.5 billion metrc tons
question
Overgrazing and poor cultivation can led to _______________.
answer
desertification
question
Which is a characteristic of soil with a high percentage of clay?
answer
able to hold water
question
Shelter belts prevent topsoil because __________.
answer
trees act as windbreakers
question
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?
answer
hilly areas where protected by vegetation has been moved
