Soil fertility

<<–2/”>a >a href=”https://exam.pscnotes.com/soil/”>Soil fertility refers to the ability of a soil to sustain agricultural plant Growth, i.e. to provide plant habitat and result in sustained and consistent yields of high quality. A fertile soil has the following properties:-

It is rich in nutrients necessary for basic plant nourishment. This includes nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
It consists of adequate Minerals such as boron, chlorine, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, molybdenum, sulphur and zinc. These minerals promote plant Nutrition.
It contains soil organic matter that improves the structure of the soil. This enables the soil to retain more moisture.
The soil pH is in the range 6.0 to 6.8.
It has a good Soil Structure which results in well-drained soil.
It consists of a variety of micro-organisms that support plant growth.
It often contains large amounts of topsoil

There are 16 nutrient Elements required to grow crops (Table 1). Three essential nutrients—carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and Oxygen (O )—are taken up from atmospheric carbon dioxide and water. The other 13 nutrients are taken up from the soil and are usually grouped as primary nutrients, secondary nutrients, and micronutrients.

The primary nutrients—nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)—are commonly found in blended Fertilizers such as 10-10-10, or equivalent grades. Primary nutrients are utilized in the largest amounts by crops, and therefore, are applied at higher rates than secondary nutrients and micronutrients.

The secondary nutrients—calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S)—are required in smaller amounts than the primary nutrients. The major source for supplementing the soil with calcium and magnesium is dolomitic lime (aglime), although these nutrients are also available from a variety of fertilizer sources. Sulfur is available in fertilizers such as potassium and magnesium sulfate, gypsum (calcium sulfate), and elemental sulfur.

Micronutrients—iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), boron (B), and molybdenum (Mo)—are required in even smaller amounts than secondary nutrients. They are available in manganese, zinc and copper sulfates, oxides, oxy-sulfates and chelates, as well as in boric acid and ammonium molybdate.,

Soil fertility is the ability of a soil to sustain plant growth. It is determined by the soil’s physical, chemical, and biological properties.

Soil structure is the arrangement of soil particles into aggregates. A good soil structure has large pores that allow air and water to move through the soil, and small pores that hold water and nutrients.

Soil pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. A neutral pH is 7. A pH below 7 is acidic, and a pH above 7 is alkaline. Most Plants prefer a slightly acidic soil pH.

Soil organic matter is the decaying remains of plants and animals. It helps to improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability.

Soil nutrients are essential for plant growth. The three main macronutrients are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Other important nutrients include calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, boron, and molybdenum.

Soil erosion is the removal of soil by wind or water. It can be caused by natural processes, such as rainfall and wind, or by human activities, such as deforestation and agriculture.

Soil salinity is the presence of too much salt in the soil. It can be caused by natural processes, such as Evaporation, or by human activities, such as Irrigation with saline water.

Soil acidity is the presence of too much hydrogen ions in the soil. It can be caused by natural processes, such as rainfall, or by human activities, such as the use of acidifying fertilizers.

Soil alkalinity is the presence of too many hydroxide ions in the soil. It can be caused by natural processes, such as the weathering of limestone, or by human activities, such as the use of liming materials.

Soil compaction is the reduction in the size of soil pores due to pressure. It can be caused by heavy machinery, Livestock, or foot traffic.

Soil drainage is the movement of water through the soil. It is important for preventing soil erosion and salinity.

Soil aeration is the movement of air through the soil. It is important for plant growth and the decomposition of organic matter.

Soil temperature is the Average temperature of the soil. It affects plant growth and the activity of soil organisms.

Soil water content is the amount of water in the soil. It is important for plant growth and the prevention of soil erosion.

Soil microbial activity is the activity of Microorganisms in the soil. These organisms help to decompose organic matter, release nutrients, and control pests.

Soil Fauna is the animal life in the soil. These animals help to aerate the soil, mix organic matter with the soil, and control pests.

Soil Flora is the plant life in the soil. These plants help to improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability.

Soil fertility management is the practice of maintaining or improving soil fertility. It includes practices such as soil testing, liming, fertilization, and amendment.

Soil testing is the process of determining the nutrient content of a soil. It is used to determine the need for liming, fertilization, and amendment.

Soil liming is the process of adding lime to a soil to raise the pH. It is used to correct soil acidity.

Soil fertilization is the process of adding nutrients to a soil. It is used to correct nutrient deficiencies.

Soil amendment is the process of adding organic matter or other materials to a soil. It is used to improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability.

Soil conservation is the practice of protecting soil from erosion, Salinization, and other degradation. It includes practices such as terracing, cover Cropping, and no-till farming.

Soil remediation is the process of cleaning up contaminated soil. It includes practices such as excavation, in situ treatment, and bioremediation.

Soil Reclamation is the process of restoring degraded soil to a productive condition. It includes practices such as revegetation, drainage improvement, and soil amendment.

Soil restoration is the process of returning soil to its original condition. It is often used in areas that have been disturbed by mining or other activities.

Soil Health is the condition of a soil in terms of its ability to support plant growth and other ecosystem Services. It is affected by factors such as soil structure, pH, organic matter content, and nutrient availability.

Soil quality is the overall condition of a soil in terms of its physical, chemical, and biological properties. It is affected by factors such as soil erosion, salinity, acidity, alkalinity, compaction, drainage, aeration, temperature, water content, microbial activity, fauna, flora, and management practices.

Soil sustainability is the ability of a soil to maintain its productivity over time. It is affected by factors such as soil erosion, salinity, acidity, alkalinity

What is soil?

Soil is a mixture of minerals, organic matter, water, air, and living organisms. It is the foundation of life on Earth, providing nutrients for plants and animals.

What is soil erosion?

Soil erosion is the process of soil being removed from the land by wind or water. It can be caused by natural events such as floods and storms, or by human activities such as deforestation and agriculture.

What are the causes of soil erosion?

The main causes of soil erosion are:

Water erosion: This is the most common type of erosion, and it is caused by rain, snowmelt, and irrigation water.
Wind erosion: This is caused by strong winds, and it can be a major problem in dry, windy areas.
Tillage erosion: This is caused by the use of farm equipment, and it can be a major problem in areas with intensive agriculture.
Human activities: Other human activities that can contribute to soil erosion include deforestation, mining, and construction.

What are the effects of soil erosion?

Soil erosion can have a number of negative effects, including:

Loss of topsoil: Topsoil is the most fertile layer of soil, and it is essential for plant growth. When topsoil is eroded, it can take many years to replace.
Degradation of water quality: Soil erosion can pollute water supplies with sediment and chemicals.
Loss of Biodiversity-2/”>Biodiversity: Soil erosion can destroy habitats and disrupt Ecosystems.
Increased flooding: Soil erosion can lead to increased flooding, as there is less soil to absorb water.
Increased costs for farmers: Soil erosion can lead to increased costs for farmers, as they need to replace lost topsoil and take measures to prevent further erosion.

What are the solutions to soil erosion?

There are a number of things that can be done to prevent soil erosion, including:

Conservation tillage: This is a method of farming that minimizes soil disturbance, and it can help to reduce erosion.
Cover crops: Cover crops are plants that are grown between Cash Crops, and they can help to protect the soil from erosion.
Windbreaks: Windbreaks are rows of trees or shrubs that are planted to protect the soil from wind erosion.
Terracing: Terracing is a method of farming that involves creating raised beds on slopes, and it can help to reduce erosion.
Forestation: Reforestation is the process of planting trees in areas that have been deforested, and it can help to prevent soil erosion.

What is soil conservation?

Soil conservation is the practice of protecting soil from erosion and degradation. It is important to conserve soil because it is a vital resource for agriculture, Forestry, and other human activities.

What are the benefits of soil conservation?

The benefits of soil conservation include:

Increased crop yields: Soil conservation can help to increase crop yields by preventing soil erosion and degradation.
Improved water quality: Soil conservation can help to improve water quality by reducing sediment and chemical runoff.
Reduced flooding: Soil conservation can help to reduce flooding by reducing the amount of soil that is available to be eroded.
Increased biodiversity: Soil conservation can help to increase biodiversity by protecting habitats and ecosystems.
Reduced costs for farmers: Soil conservation can help to reduce costs for farmers by reducing the need to replace lost topsoil and take measures to prevent further erosion.

What are the challenges of soil conservation?

The challenges of soil conservation include:

Cost: Soil conservation can be expensive, as it requires the use of practices such as conservation tillage, cover crops, and windbreaks.
Political will: Soil conservation requires political will, as it often involves changes to land use practices.
Public awareness: Soil conservation requires public awareness, as many people are not aware of the importance of soil conservation.
Climate change: Climate Change is making soil erosion a more serious problem, as it is leading to more extreme weather events such as floods and droughts.

What is the main component of soil?
(A) Water
(B) Air
(C) Organic matter
(D) Minerals
What is the process by which soil is formed?
(A) Weathering
(B) Erosion
(C) Deposition
(D) All of the above
What are the three main Types of Soil?
(A) Sandy soil, loamy soil, and clay soil
(B) Organic soil, mineral soil, and water soil
(C) Topsoil, subsoil, and bedrock
(D) All of the above
What are the three main functions of soil?
(A) To provide a medium for plant growth
(B) To filter water
(C) To store carbon
(D) All of the above
What are the three main factors that affect soil fertility?
(A) Climate
(B) Parent material
(C) Topography
(D) All of the above
What are the three main ways to improve soil fertility?
(A) Adding organic matter
(B) Adding minerals
(C) Managing pests and diseases
(D) All of the above
What is the most important factor in determining the type of soil in an area?
(A) The climate
(B) The parent material
(C) The topography
(D) The vegetation
What is the most important factor in determining the fertility of a soil?
(A) The organic matter content
(B) The mineral content
(C) The pH
(D) The drainage
What is the most important factor in determining the productivity of a soil?
(A) The fertility
(B) The drainage
(C) The texture
(D) The depth
What is the most important factor in determining the sustainability of a soil?
(A) The management
(B) The conservation
(C) The restoration
(D) The rehabilitation