Flashcards · 5014 · Topic 2

Land flashcards

13 cards on Topic 2, subtopics 2.1 to 2.3. Pick a subtopic or study them all.

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Name the four components of soil: Mineral particles (sand, silt and clay), organic matter, air and water.
What makes loam the best soil for farming?: A balanced mix of particles and pore spaces, so it holds moisture but drains well, has organic and mineral nutrients, and is easy to cultivate.
What do nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium do for crops?: Nitrogen (as nitrate) supports leaf growth and protein; phosphorus (as phosphate) supports roots; potassium supports flowering, fruiting and disease resistance.
Why does soil pH matter for crops?: It affects which nutrients plants can absorb. Most crops grow best in soil that is close to neutral, so acidic soils are often limed.

Arable vs pastoral vs mixed farming: Arable: growing crops. Pastoral: rearing livestock. Mixed: both on the same farm.
Intensive farming vs monoculture: Intensive: high inputs of labour, capital, fertiliser or machinery to get a high yield from a small area. Monoculture: growing a single crop over a large area.
How do crop rotation and intercropping help yields?: Rotation changes the crop each season so nutrients are not exhausted and pests do not build up. Intercropping grows different crops together so they use space and nutrients efficiently.
What are hydroponics and aeroponics?: Growing plants without soil in controlled environments: hydroponics with roots in nutrient solution, aeroponics with roots misted by nutrient solution.
How can growing cash crops or biofuels cause food shortages?: Land that could grow food for local people is used for crops sold abroad or turned into fuel.

Why does deforestation lead to soil erosion?: Without roots to bind the soil and leaves to intercept rain, rain and wind remove the exposed topsoil.
How can soil erosion lead to famine and migration?: Loss of fertile topsoil lowers crop yields and can lead to desertification, causing malnutrition, famine and the displacement of people.
What are bunds, and how do they reduce erosion?: Low walls of earth or stones built along the contour of a slope. They slow run-off, trap soil and help water soak in.
How does adding organic matter reduce soil erosion?: It improves soil structure, binding particles together and helping the soil hold water, so it is less easily washed or blown away.