Soils & The Crust

Question 1

What are Mine Tailings?
What is Slag?

Answer 1

1. Mine Tailings- waste material left after mining
2. Slag- waste material left after smelting

Question 2

What are the three plant macronutrients found in fertilizer?

Answer 2

1. Nitrogen (N)- leaf growth
2. Phosphorus (P)- root growth and plant flowering
3. Potassium (K)- overall plant dev., disease resistance

Question 3

What are the 5 soil formation factors?

Answer 3

(CLORPT)
C- Climate
LO- Living Organisms
R- Relief (topography)
P- Parent Material
T- Time

Question 4

Describe the Haber-Bosch Process.

Answer 4

Also known as ammonia synthesis, the Haber-Bosch Process uses electricity to form fertilizer from nitrogen.
This fertilizer increases crop yields but requires large amounts of fossil fuels.

Question 5

What is DDT soil pollution?

Answer 5

DDT is a pesticide (now banned) that encroached into the food chain and decreases fertility in many species.
It will remain in the soil for decades.

Question 6

What is the U.S Superfund Program?

Answer 6

This program is a form of environmental regulation. Established in 1980, the gov. is cleaning up hazardous substances.

Question 7

What was the first synthetic fertilizer?

Answer 7

Phosphate Fertilizer. We mine phosphate rocks and add sulfuric acid, which makes fertilizer.

Question 8

List three causes of soil erosion.

Answer 8

1. Increased agricultural demands due to population growth.
2. Increased deforestation (forest stabilizes and nurtures the soil.)
3. Incorrect farming techniques- that strip the soil of its nutrients fast.

Question 9

List five solutions to soil erosion.

Answer 9

1. Terracing
2. Crop Rotation
3. Soil Dams
4. Multi-Cropping
5. Low-till Technology