Why is soil health important?
Healthy soil supports plant growth, prevents erosion, and contributes to overall ecosystem health.
How does contour plowing prevent soil erosion?
By following the land's natural curves, it minimizes soil disturbance and reduces water runoff, thus preventing erosion.
What are the benefits of no-till agriculture?
Reduces erosion, keeps soil structure intact, and can improve water infiltration.
How do windbreaks protect soil?
They act as a barrier, reducing wind speed and preventing wind erosion of topsoil.
What is the purpose of terracing on steep slopes?
Creates flat areas to reduce water runoff and soil erosion, making it possible to cultivate otherwise unusable land.
How does crop rotation improve soil health?
Different crops have different nutrient needs and can replenish specific nutrients in the soil, preventing depletion.
What role do legumes play in crop rotation?
Legumes add nitrogen back into the soil, which is essential for plant growth and reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers.
How does green manure benefit the soil?
Adds organic matter and nutrients back into the soil, improving its structure and fertility.
Why is calcium important for plant growth?
Calcium is an essential nutrient for cell wall development and overall plant health.
What are ecosystem services?
The many and varied benefits that humans freely gain from the natural environment and from properly-functioning ecosystems. Soil health is a crucial ecosystem service.
What is the effect of soil erosion?
Loss of fertile topsoil, reduced crop yields, and increased sedimentation in waterways.
What is the effect of overgrazing?
Damaged pastures, soil erosion, and reduced biodiversity.
What is the effect of tilling?
Increased soil erosion, loss of soil structure, and release of carbon dioxide.
What is the effect of healthy soil?
Healthy plant growth, carbon sequestration, and water filtration.
What is the effect of monoculture farming?
Depletion of soil nutrients, increased pest susceptibility, and reduced biodiversity.
What is the effect of deforestation for agriculture?
Increased soil erosion, habitat loss, and contribution to climate change.
What is the effect of pesticide use?
Harm to non-target organisms, development of pesticide resistance, and water contamination.
What is the effect of fertilizer overuse?
Water pollution (eutrophication), soil degradation, and greenhouse gas emissions.
What is the effect of irrigation in arid regions?
Soil salinization, depletion of water resources, and altered ecosystems.
What is the effect of climate change on agriculture?
Altered growing seasons, increased pest outbreaks, and more frequent extreme weather events.
What are the effects of soil erosion?
Loss of fertile topsoil, reduced crop yields, water pollution, and increased sedimentation in waterways.
What is the impact of overgrazing on pastures?
Leads to soil compaction, loss of vegetation cover, increased erosion, and reduced biodiversity.
How does tilling affect soil health?
Excessive tilling can disrupt soil structure, increase erosion, and reduce organic matter content.
What are the consequences of nutrient depletion in soil?
Reduced crop yields, decreased plant health, and the need for synthetic fertilizers.
How does deforestation impact soil erosion?
Removal of trees and vegetation cover exposes the soil to wind and water, leading to increased erosion rates.
What is the effect of adding limestone to soil?
Increases soil pH and adds calcium, making it more suitable for plant growth.
How does monoculture farming affect soil health?
Depletes specific nutrients, increases pest and disease vulnerability, and reduces soil biodiversity.
What happens when soil becomes compacted?
Reduces water infiltration, limits root growth, and decreases oxygen availability for soil organisms.
How does pesticide use impact soil health?
Can harm beneficial soil organisms, disrupt nutrient cycling, and lead to pesticide runoff into waterways.
What are the long-term effects of unsustainable agricultural practices?
Soil degradation, reduced agricultural productivity, environmental pollution, and threats to food security.
