Environmental Science Land Use and Soil

Question 1

What is soil horizonation, and what does the 'O horizon' represent?

Accepted Answer

Vertical layering of soil; organic matter / surface litter

Answer

Soil horizons are distinct layers, and the O horizon is the topmost layer composed of decomposing organic matter and litter.

Question 2

Which agricultural practice involves growing different crops in adjacent strips to reduce erosion and improve soil health?

Accepted Answer

Strip cropping

Answer

Strip cropping alternates strips of row crops with grass or grain, reducing wind and water erosion and improving soil structure.

Question 3

What is desertification?

Accepted Answer

Degradation of dryland areas due to human activity and drought

Answer

Desertification is the process by which productive land in arid and semi-arid regions degrades into desert due to overgrazing, deforestation, and drought.

Question 4

Which soil property describes its ability to hold water against drainage?

Accepted Answer

Field capacity

Answer

Field capacity is the amount of soil moisture held after excess water has drained away, representing available water for plants.

Question 5

What does the Dust Bowl of the 1930s illustrate about land management?

Accepted Answer

The effects of poor soil conservation practices on agriculture

Answer

The Dust Bowl resulted from deep plowing and removal of native grasses on the Great Plains, which left topsoil vulnerable to wind erosion.

Environmental Science Practice Test

Environmental Science Practice Test

Environmental Science Land Use and Soil