Chapter Questions
Describe the events that led to the devastation of the Dust Bowl and the role played by human decision making.
Name and describe the properties of the three main components of soil texture.
What are the different layers, or horizons, in a soil profile? What makes each one distinct from the others?
Name and describe four major soil orders listed in this chapter. Where are they mainly found? How do hydric soils relate to soil orders?
5. What are the main things that plant roots must obtain from soil? Name and describe a process (natural or unnatural) that can keep plants from obtaining the amounts of each of these things they need for survival.
Describe the content and physical structure of the soils that best fulfill the needs of most crop plants.
Describe the roles that humus, detritus, and soil organisms play in creating a soil favorable to plants. Identify the relationships among these three factors.
What is meant by mineralization? What causes it? What are its consequences for soil?
How do water and wind affect bare soil? Define and describe the process of erosion.
What is meant by desertification? Describe how the process of erosion leads to a loss of water-holding capacity and, hence, to desertification.
What are drylands? Where are they found? How important are they for human habitation and agriculture?
How does mining affect soils?
What is meant by salinization, and what are its consequences? How does irrigation cause salinization?
Explain how soil biota can be killed by human actions and some of the effects.
What are at least two levels at which soil conservation must be practiced? Give an example of what is being done at each level.