Environmental Stewardship Flashcards
5 cards from real CH practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 5 Environmental Stewardship flashcards as text
What is the primary goal of xeriscaping?
Answer: Reducing water usage in landscapes
Xeriscaping is a landscaping approach specifically designed to conserve water, particularly in arid or drought-prone regions. Its primary goal is to create beautiful and functional landscapes that require minimal supplemental irrigation. This is achieved through practices like selecting drought-tolerant plants, using efficient irrigation systems, and incorporating mulches to retain soil moisture.
Which practice is most effective in minimizing soil erosion on a sloped area?
Answer: Planting ground covers or grasses
Planting ground covers or grasses is highly effective in minimizing soil erosion on sloped areas. The dense network of roots from these plants binds soil particles together, preventing them from being washed away by rain or blown by wind. Additionally, the foliage helps to intercept rainfall, reducing its impact force on the soil surface and promoting water infiltration.
Which of the following is considered a best management practice (BMP) for reducing stormwater runoff pollution?
Answer: Installing rain gardens
Installing rain gardens is considered a best management practice (BMP) for reducing stormwater runoff pollution. Rain gardens are specially designed depressions planted with native vegetation that collect and absorb stormwater from impervious surfaces. This allows water to infiltrate the soil, filtering out pollutants and reducing the volume and velocity of runoff that enters natural waterways.
What is the purpose of a buffer zone in environmental stewardship?
Answer: To separate agricultural fields from natural water bodies
A buffer zone in environmental stewardship is typically a strip of vegetation established between agricultural fields and natural water bodies. Its primary purpose is to act as a filter, intercepting and absorbing runoff containing sediments, excess nutrients, and pesticides. This helps prevent these pollutants from entering rivers, lakes, and streams, thereby protecting water quality and aquatic ecosystems.
What is a significant advantage of using compost in sustainable horticulture?
Answer: Reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers
Compost is a rich organic material that significantly enhances soil fertility and structure in sustainable horticulture. By providing a slow-release source of essential nutrients and improving the soil's water retention and microbial activity, compost reduces the need for synthetic chemical fertilizers. This promotes healthier plant growth while minimizing the environmental impacts associated with chemical inputs.