All Flashcards
How does contour plowing promote sustainability?
It reduces soil erosion by following the land's natural curves, conserving topsoil.
How does no-till agriculture promote sustainability?
It minimizes soil disturbance, reducing erosion and preserving soil structure.
How do windbreaks promote sustainability?
They protect soil from wind erosion, preventing soil loss and maintaining fertility.
How does terracing promote sustainability?
It reduces soil loss on slopes, making agriculture possible on hilly terrain.
How does strip farming promote sustainability?
It helps prevent erosion and improves soil health through crop diversity.
How does crop rotation promote sustainability?
It improves soil health and fertility by varying the nutrient demands on the soil.
How does green manure promote sustainability?
It adds nutrients back to the soil naturally, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.
How does pasture rotation promote sustainability?
It prevents overgrazing, maintaining healthy pastures and preventing soil degradation.
How does reduced pesticide use promote sustainability?
It protects non-target organisms and reduces water contamination, promoting biodiversity.
How does water conservation promote sustainability?
It ensures long-term water availability for agriculture and reduces environmental impacts.
Why is soil health important?
Healthy soil supports plant growth, prevents erosion, and contributes to overall ecosystem health.
How does contour plowing prevent soil erosion?
By following the land's natural curves, it minimizes soil disturbance and reduces water runoff, thus preventing erosion.
What are the benefits of no-till agriculture?
Reduces erosion, keeps soil structure intact, and can improve water infiltration.
How do windbreaks protect soil?
They act as a barrier, reducing wind speed and preventing wind erosion of topsoil.
What is the purpose of terracing on steep slopes?
Creates flat areas to reduce water runoff and soil erosion, making it possible to cultivate otherwise unusable land.
How does crop rotation improve soil health?
Different crops have different nutrient needs and can replenish specific nutrients in the soil, preventing depletion.
What role do legumes play in crop rotation?
Legumes add nitrogen back into the soil, which is essential for plant growth and reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers.
How does green manure benefit the soil?
Adds organic matter and nutrients back into the soil, improving its structure and fertility.
Why is calcium important for plant growth?
Calcium is an essential nutrient for cell wall development and overall plant health.
What are ecosystem services?
The many and varied benefits that humans freely gain from the natural environment and from properly-functioning ecosystems. Soil health is a crucial ecosystem service.
Define sustainable agriculture.
Using resources wisely to meet current needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs.
What is contour plowing?
Plowing with the land's natural curves to minimize soil disturbance and erosion.
Define no-till agriculture.
An agricultural technique that minimizes soil preparation and disturbance.
What are windbreaks (shelterbelts)?
Rows of trees or bushes planted to block the wind and protect soil from erosion.
What are hedgerows?
Windbreaks planted at the edges of fields for extra protection against wind erosion.
Define terracing.
Creating flat steps on hillsides to reduce soil loss on slopes.
What is strip farming?
Alternating rows of crops with unplanted areas to prevent erosion and improve soil health.
Define crop rotation.
Planting different crops in a sequence to improve soil health and fertility.
What is green manure?
Letting leftover crop parts decompose in the soil to add nutrients back.
What is pasture rotation?
Rotating grazing areas for livestock to prevent overgrazing and maintain pasture health.