Author Question: What processes lead to soil degradation? What will be an ideal ... (Read 64 times)

bobbysung · **on:** Jul 15, 2018

What processes lead to soil degradation? What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

List the agricultural practices that reduce the rate of soil erosion, and explain why each does so. What will be an ideal response?

prumorgan · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 15, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Soil is lost by erosion, a process that is usually balanced by soil formation. However, removing natural
vegetation by plowing, overgrazing, and excess deforestation has increased the soil erosion rate
substantially. Soil undergoes chemical deterioration when its nutrients are depleted, and its
productivity decreases. Pollutants can also bring about the chemical deterioration of soil. Soil
deteriorates physically when it is compacted by heavy machinery and livestock, especially cattle. Soil
must be taken care of by avoiding the practices mentioned above.

Answer to Question 2

Crop rotation prevents loss of soil fertility; contour plowing and terracing prevent massive down slope
erosion of soil; windbreaks prevent wind erosion of soil; and no-till planting prevents soils from lying
exposed to wind and water erosion when crops are not effectively binding the soil.