Soil Science & Land Management Flashcards
6 cards from real Agriculture and Environment practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Soil Science & Land Management flashcards as text
What is cation exchange capacity (CEC) a measure of in soil science?
Answer: The soil's ability to hold and supply nutrients to plants
CEC measures the soil's capacity to hold positively charged nutrient ions (cations) like calcium, magnesium, and potassium for plant uptake.
Which US federal program provides financial incentives to farmers for implementing conservation practices on their land?
Answer: Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
The Conservation Reserve Program pays farmers to retire highly erodible or environmentally sensitive cropland from production for conservation purposes.
What soil property is most directly improved by adding lime to agricultural fields?
Answer: Soil pH
Agricultural lime (calcium carbonate) raises soil pH by neutralizing acidity, making nutrients more available to crops.
Which erosion control practice involves planting crops along the natural contour lines of a slope?
Answer: Contour farming
Contour farming involves plowing and planting across the slope following contour lines, which slows water runoff and reduces erosion.
What is soil compaction and why is it problematic for crops?
Answer: Increased soil density that restricts root growth and water infiltration
Soil compaction increases bulk density, restricting root penetration, reducing pore space, and limiting water and air movement through the soil profile.
What percentage of US cropland uses some form of conservation tillage practice?
Answer: Over 50%
Over 50% of US cropland uses conservation tillage practices, which have significantly reduced soil erosion compared to conventional tillage.