5. notes and revision

●➔ Biological mixing, translocation (movement of soil particles in suspension) and leaching (minerals dissolved in water moved through soil).

Organic matter organisms nutrients minerals air water

Organic material precipitation energy

Uptake by plants and soil erosion.

●➔ Decomposition, weathering and nutrient cycling.

OAEBCR HORIZONS O Leaf litter (organic) A top soil E leached minerals and nutrients B buried leached minerals C paraent material R hard bedrock Old aunt edna bakes cakes regularly

translocation is the movemnet of soil particles within the soil profile

The process by which minerals/ nutrients are dissolved and carried downward through the soil profile by flowing water.

the accumulation of salts in soil to levels that are harmful to plant growth and ecosystem health.

Sand Soil: Composed of larger particles Highest porosity HIghest permiability Nutrient-poor, with low organic matter content. Loam Soil: Mixture of sand, silt, and clay particles, with balanced properties. moderate porosity moderate permiability Nutrient-rich, with moderate organic matter content, supporting healthy plant growth. Clay Soil: Composed of small fine particles with high surface area and pore space. lowest porosity lowest permibility Dense and compacted, leading to slow water infiltration and drainage.

porosity refers to the amount of PORES open space or voids within the soil or rock matrix.

IS THE ABILITY OF SOIL TO LET WATER PASS THROUGH ITS PORES is a measure of how easily fluids can move through the pore spaces or voids within the material.

Soil acidification refers to when the pH of soil decreases over time, leading to an increase in soil acidity.

Subsistence farming is the provision of food by farmers for their own families or the local community – there is no surplus.

Commercial farming IS FARMING ON A LARGE SCALE MAXIMISING YEILD FOR PROFITS.

Pastoral farming is raising animals, usually on grass and on land that is not suitable for crops.

Arable farming is growing crops on good soils to eat directly or to feed to animals.

Mixed farming has both crops and animals and is a system in itself where animal waste is used to fertilize the crops and improve soil structure and some crops are fed to the animals.

crop rotation PLANTING LEGUMES IE NITROGEN FIXING BACTERIA fertilization organic matter addition agroforestry GLICCT

Terrestrial Food Production Systems: Primarily involve cultivation of crops and raising livestock on land. Examples include agriculture, horticulture, and animal husbandry. Mainly reliant on soil for nutrient and water supply. Vulnerable to land degradation, soil erosion, and water scarcity. Main crops include grains, vegetables, fruits, and oilseeds. Livestock farming includes cattle, poultry, pigs, and sheep. Aquatic Food Production Systems: Involve cultivation of aquatic organisms, such as fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants. Examples include aquaculture, mariculture, and hydroponics. Utilize water bodies such as ponds, lakes, rivers, and oceans.

LEGUMES PLANT IE NITROGEN FIXING BACTERIA CROP ROTATION COVER CROPS IMPROVEMENT IN TECH GMO CROPS TO HAVE NITROGEN FIXING BACTERIA TRICKLE IRIGATION (LESS WATER WASTE) GLICCT

Soil degradation refers to the deterioration of soil quality and health, often resulting from human activities and natural processes.

deforestation erosion overgrazing agricultural practices urbanization pollution climate change DEO

Cover Cropping: Plant cover crops during fallow periods to protect soil from erosion, suppress weeds, and add organic matter. Crop Rotation: Rotate crops with different nutrient requirements to prevent soil nutrient depletion and pest buildup. PLANTING LEGUMES Leguminous crops fix atmospheric nitrogen, enriching soil fertility and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. Agroforestry: Trees provide shade, windbreaks, and nutrient cycling benefits, reducing erosion and enhancing soil fertility.