Soils

Question 1

Where are chernozem soils located

Answer 1

Only located in the northern hemisphere in North America and Russia

Question 2

How much land cover does chernozem have

Answer 2

230 million heaters (2%) of total land area on earth

Question 3

What are the characteristics of chernozem soils

Answer 3

They are rich in organic matter in humus
High water retention, so not easily waterlogged
Rich in nutrients
Workable
Naturally fertile from high phosphorus and nitrogen content
Natural grasslands
Develops in areas with cold winters and short, hot summers, with adequate seasonal rainfall

Question 4

What are the agricultural uses for chernozem soils

Answer 4

High water retention makes it favourable for arable crops. Therefore high yields can be sustained even in times of more extreme weather
Clay-like structure is good for ploughing as it isn’t vulnerable to erosion
Maize,barley and wheat are mainly grown

Question 5

What is the location of tropical latosols

Answer 5

Found around the equator.
Concentrated within South America, central africa

Question 6

How much land cover does tropical latosols have

Answer 6

Cover 8% of ice-free land

Question 7

What are the characteristics of tropical latosols

Answer 7

Rich in aluminium and iron oxides
Very deep-around 30-40m
Lots of decaying matter

Question 8

What are the agricultural uses for tropical latosols

Answer 8

Poor for agriculture. When plants are cleared for agriculture the soil is left exposed to heavy consistent rainfall, leaching minerals.
Fertilises are needed for arable farming
Shifting cultivation needed for soil to recover