Soil Erosion & Conservation in the US Quiz
Agricultural impacts, conservation methods (10 questions).
Soil Erosion & Conservation in the US Quiz: Quick Study Notes
Soil erosion remains one of the most significant threats to agricultural productivity in the United States. Following the devastation of the Dust Bowl in the 1930s, the US government and farmers have developed robust conservation techniques to preserve topsoil, reduce runoff, and maintain water quality. This quiz covers the history of US soil conservation and the modern methods used to protect the land.
Key Takeaways
- Contour Farming: Plowing across the slope of a hill slows water runoff and reduces soil loss.
- Cover Crops: Planting crops like rye or clover during off-seasons keeps soil anchored and adds nutrients.
- Windbreaks: Rows of trees planted along field edges block wind and prevent topsoil from blowing away.
- Terracing: Creating step-like flat areas on steep slopes significantly reduces water velocity and erosion.
- Crop Rotation: Alternating crop types improves soil structure and fertility compared to monoculture.
- Gully Erosion: A severe form of water erosion that creates deep channels impossible to fix with standard tillage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Dust Bowl?
The Dust Bowl was a period of severe dust storms in the 1930s that greatly damaged the ecology and agriculture of the American and Canadian prairies, caused by severe drought and failure to apply dryland farming methods.
What is the main goal of no-till farming?
No-till farming aims to decrease the amount of soil erosion specifically caused by tillage in certain soils, especially in sandy and dry soils on sloping terrain, by leaving the soil undisturbed.
How do cover crops help soil conservation?
Cover crops are planted to manage soil erosion, soil fertility, soil quality, water, weeds, pests, diseases, biodiversity and wildlife in an agroecosystem. They physically hold the soil in place with their roots.
What is the NRCS?
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), originally the Soil Conservation Service (SCS), is an agency of the USDA that provides technical assistance to farmers and other private landowners and managers.
Why is crop rotation important?
Crop rotation helps return nutrients to the soil without synthetic inputs, interrupts pest and disease cycles, and improves soil structure by alternating deep-rooted and shallow-rooted plants.
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