Human Impacts on Soils

Question 1

is a vital layer supporting plant growth and human life, formed over thousands of years through weathering and organic decomposition.

Answer 1

Soil

Question 2

is influenced by climate, organisms, topography, parent material, and time.

Answer 2

Soil formation

Question 3

: Occurs in arid regions due to high evaporation and low rainfall. Sources are the following:

Answer 3

Natural Salinity

Question 4

Salt particles from ocean spray or dust storms settle on land.

Answer 4

Atmospheric Deposition

Question 5

Rocks release salts as they break down.

Answer 5

Weathering of Bedrock

Question 6

Sea-level rise can deposit salt in coastal areas.

Answer 6

Marine Transgressions

Question 7

: Caused by over-irrigation, deforestation, urbanization, and groundwater over-extraction.

Answer 7

Human-Induced Salinity

Question 8

Over-irrigation raises groundwater levels, bringing dissolved salts to the surface.

Answer 8

Irrigation Salinity

Question 9

Clearing vegetation increases groundwater recharge, bringing salts to the surface.

Answer 9

Dryland Salinity

Question 10

Urbanization reduces evapotranspiration, raising groundwater levels and increasing salinity.

Answer 10

Urban Salinity

Question 11

Over-pumping groundwater allows seawater intrusion.

Answer 11

Coastal Salinity

Question 12

: Leaching salts with freshwater or improving drainage.

Answer 12

Eradication

Question 13

: Using chemicals (e.g., gypsum) to convert harmful salts into less harmful ones.

Answer 13

Conversion

Question 14

: Adopting salt-tolerant crops and efficient irrigation practices.

Answer 14

Control

Question 15

: In tropical regions, soil hardens into iron-rich laterite due to deforestation, reducing fertility.

Answer 15

Laterization

Question 16

: Human activities like deforestation and agriculture accelerate soil acidification and nutrient leaching, particularly in temperate regions.

Answer 16

Accelerated Podzolization and Acidification

Question 17

: A soil process in temperate and boreal regions where organic acids leach iron, aluminum, and organic matter, creating distinct soil layers

Answer 17

Podzolization

Question 18

T or F: Soil stores carbon, but deforestation and plowing release it

Answer 18

T

Question 19

reducing its ability to absorb water and support plant growth. Solutions include reducing machinery use and adding organic matter.

Answer 19

Soil Structure Alteration

Question 20

• Improves agriculture but can cause waterlogging or salinization if mismanaged.

Answer 20

Soil Drainage

Question 21

• Chemical fertilizers boost yields but cause water pollution and soil acidification. Organic alternatives are recommended.

Answer 21

Soil Fertilization

Question 22

release nutrients but can also destroy organic matter, increase erosion, and alter soil structure.

Answer 22

Fires and Soil Quality

Question 23

is a critical global issue that threatens agricultural sustainability, ecosystems, and water quality.

Answer 23

Soil Erosion

Question 24

The removal of forests for agriculture and other land uses leaves soil exposed to wind and water.

Answer 24

Deforestation and Agriculture

Question 25

Urban development disrupts soil structure and increases erosion during construction phases

Answer 25

Construction and Urbanization

Question 26

rich in organic matter and nutrients, is the most fertile layer

Answer 26

Topsoil

Question 27

: Erosion strips away essential nutrients, making it harder for crops to grow and increasing the need for chemical fertilizers, which can further harm the environment.

Answer 27

Reduced Soil Fertility

Question 28

: Eroded soil often ends up in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, causing sedimentation.

Answer 28

Sedimentation in Water Bodies

Question 29

: Planting trees and grasses stabilizes soil and reduces erosion.

Answer 29

Revegetation

Question 30

: These methods reduce runoff and soil loss on slopes.

Answer 30

Terracing and Contour Plowing

Question 31

: Protecting soil with vegetation during critical periods prevents erosion.

Answer 31

Cover Crops

Question 32

is a strategic framework guiding sustainable urban development, land allocation, and resource management to balance growth with environmental protection.

Answer 32

Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) of Iloilo

Question 33

Prohibits destructive activities that protects critical ecosystems, including forests, from illegal logging and kaingin. It also supports reforestation and conservation efforts in protected areas.

Answer 33

National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act (Republic Act No. 7586)

Question 34

A legislative measure enacted to promote environmental sustainability and resource management in Iloilo Province.

Answer 34

Iloilo Provincial Environment Code

Question 35

Manages and protects watershed areas to prevent soil erosion and degradation.

Answer 35

Iloilo Watershed Management Council (IWMC)

Question 36

Regulates quarrying activities to prevent soil erosion and sedimentation.

Answer 36

Anti-Illegal Quarrying Ordinance

Question 37

Rehabilitates degraded lands through reforestation.

Answer 37

National Greening Program (NGP)

Question 38

Prevents soil pollution from improper waste disposal.

Answer 38

Local Ordinances on Solid Waste Management