GE-CHEM 1103 Module 6

Question 1

one of the most important elements of an ecosystem, and it contains both biotic and abiotic factors. The composition of abiotic factors is particularly important as it can impact the biotic factors, such as what kinds of plants can grow in an ecosystem.

Answer 1

Soil

Question 2

contains air, water, and minerals as well as plant and animal matter, both living and dead

Answer 2

Soil

Question 3

all the living and once-living things in soil, such as plants and insects

Answer 3

biotic factors

Question 4

all nonliving things—for example, minerals, water, and air

Answer 4

abiotic factors

Question 5

common minerals found in soil

Answer 5

phosphorus, and potassium and also, nitrogen gas

Question 6

less common minerals

Answer 6

calcium, magnesium, and sulfur

Question 7

typical soil consists of

Answer 7

45% mineral, 5% organic matter, 20-30% water, and 20-30% air

Question 8

sources of land or soil pollution

Answer 8

1. Domestic and Municipal Wastes
2. Industrial and Mining Wastes
3. Agricultural Wastes
4. Radioactive Materials and Biological Agents

Question 9

One of the main causes of land and soil pollution is the growing quantity of domestic and municipal wastes.

Answer 9

Domestic and Municipal Wastes

Question 10

The disposal of industrial solid wastes is the major source of soil pollution by toxic chemicals

Answer 10

Industrial and Mining Wastes

Question 11

practices also pollute the soil. According to an estimate, agricultural activities produce more than 1.8 billion tonnes of waste, each year. About three-quarters of this is manure. Much of this manure is piled in dumps where it pollutes streams and waterways. Yet, at the same time, farmers across the continent are suffering from worn-out and depleted soils.

Answer 11

Agricultural Wastes

Question 12

wastes produced by nuclear testing laboratories and industries reach the soil and accumulate there. All the radionuclides deposited on the soil emit gamma radiations, and are harmful to soil as well as for plant growth.

Answer 12

Radioactive Materials

Question 13

The excreta of humans, animals and birds are also a source of soil pollution by biological agents. Digested sewage sludge, which is used as manure, also causes soil pollution.

Answer 13

Biological Agents

Question 14

a measure of the capacity of a soil to perform necessary functions

Answer 14

Soil quality

Question 15

include providing nutrients and water to plants, filtering and cleaning water, regulating temperatures, recycling and storing nutrients, and providing habitats for organisms

Answer 15

Soil functions

Question 16

measures the amount of CO2 released from the soil. an indicator of biological activity.

Answer 16

Soil respiration

Question 17

It measures how fast water can infiltrate into the soil.an indicator how easily
water will infiltrate, pond, or runoff during rainfall or irrigation.

Answer 17

Infiltration

Question 18

measures the weight of the soil per volume of soil.an indicator how well plant seedlings can emerge and how well air can circulate through the soil.

Answer 18

Bulk density

Question 19

measures how well an electrical current travels through the soil water.an indicator of how much salt is present in the soil.

Answer 19

Electrical conductivity

Question 20

measures the activity of hydrogen ions in soil water. an indicator of whether the soil is acidic, neutral, or basic.

Answer 20

pH

Question 21

easures the amount of nitrate in the soil . The amount is an indicator of the
availability of the important plant nutrient- nitrogen.

Answer 21

Nitrate

Question 22

measures the ability of soil aggregates to resist disintegration when immersed and shaken continuously in water. an indicator of how well water can infiltrate into the soil during rainfall or irrigation and how easily soil is washed off or blown away.

Answer 22

Aggregate stability

Question 23

measures how fast soil particles disperse in water. It is an indicator of whether and how fast soil will form a slurry during rainfall or irrigation

Answer 23

Slaking

Question 24

measures the number of earthworms in soil. It generally enhance microbial activity, soil fertility and physical properties.

Answer 24

Earthworm counts

Question 25

It measures the force required to insert a metal rod into the soil. Resistance is an indicator of how easily roots can grow in the soil.

Answer 25

Penetration resistance

Question 26

provides for a systematic, comprehensive and ecological waste management program to ensure the protection of public health and the environment.

Answer 26

RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act