Soil problems and Management

Question 1

Name the 4 soil problems

Answer 1

Soil erosion, Water logging, Salinisation, Structural deterioration

Question 2

Cause of Salinisation

Answer 2

Accumulation of salt in soil
natural= low rain, high temps= water evaporates and leaves behind dissolved salts, sea level change draws salt water in soil

Question 3

Impacts of Salinisation

Answer 3

poor drainage=water logging
lower agricultural productivity-inhibits osmosis (water from soil to plant)- hard to absorb water and grow
cotton/sugar are more tolerant to high salt levels

Question 4

Solution to Salinisation

Answer 4

Flush soil with lots of water-impacts rivers and groundwater
adjust amount of water entering and leaving soil- make sure its moving in downwards direction
lower water table- less evaporation

Question 5

Cause of Water logging

Answer 5

Ground gets saturated ad can’t absorb any more water

insufficient air for plants to respire

Question 6

Impacts of Water logging

Answer 6

15% of wheat production lost each year

Question 7

Solution to Water logging

Answer 7

Drainage channels

Question 8

Cause of Structural deterioration

Answer 8

Losing the pores in the soil:
Soil compaction-heavy machinery
Prolonged wet conditions(clay particles expand-removes pore spaces)
Agrochemicals gets rid of soil biota (keeps pores)

Question 9

Solution to Structural deterioration

Answer 9

Avoid using heavy machinery, increase vegetation (organic matter produced-soil particles combine together)

Question 10

Cause of Soil erosion

Answer 10

gradual process water, wind, etc. slowly deteriorate soil

human= overgrazing

Question 11

Impacts of Soil erosion

Answer 11

Deforestation
Water goes into footpaths
hydrological systems-rivers- affected
flood hazard risk
los of topsoil- less ferile-less growth- need more fertiliser-higher costs

Question 12

Solution to Soil erosion

Answer 12

Farmers need to be educated
Tree shelter belts
Barren land planted with grass

Question 13

name 5 soil management techniques

Answer 13

crop rotation, windbreaks, terracing, mulching, contour ploughing

Question 14

what is crop rotation?

Answer 14

cover crops maintain soil until main crop sown

Question 15

What are windbreaks?

Answer 15

hedges/trees planted as barriers around field

Question 16

What is terracing?

Answer 16

steps cut in hill to slow water movement

Question 17

What is Mulching?

Answer 17

cover with layer of plant material- protect from wind and rain- slows runoff

Question 18

What is contour ploughing?

Answer 18

across slope- maintain water