Soil Cultural Techniques affecting Soil Structure - Jonathan Williams (Agri) (1)

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a likely benefit of soil amelioration?

• Increased soil fertility

• Reduced soil erosion

• Decreased water retention

• Improved soil structure

Open Ended

Why is improving soil structure important for agriculture and the environment?

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the best way to change the textural amendment of soil?

• Adding organic matter

• Increasing irrigation

• Applying chemical fertilizers

• Using pesticides

Open Ended

Explain how hydrogels improve the water holding capacity of sandy soils.

Multiple Select

Which of the following are benefits of mycorrhizae in the soil?

• Improves plant health

• Develops symbiotic relationships with plants

• Reduces soil erosion

• Increases soil acidity

Multiple Choice

What are two main functions of organic matter in soil?

• Enhances soil structure and provides nutrients

• Increases soil acidity and reduces water retention

• Promotes pest growth and decreases plant health

• Decreases microorganism activity and increases erosion

Multiple Choice

Why is it important to test soil pH every 5 years when adding lime?

• To ensure the pH remains in the ideal range for crops

• To increase the amount of organic matter

• To reduce earthworm activity

• To promote pest control

Multiple Choice

Which soil cultivation method is most beneficial for crops with deep roots such as wheat and maize?

• Ploughing

• Subsoiling

• Min Till

• Direct Drilling

Multiple Select

Which of the following are disadvantages of Min Till and Rotovating methods?

• Exposes soil microorganisms to pests

• Increases risk of soil erosion

• Reduces soil carbon capture

• Reduces organic matter on the surface

Multiple Select

Which of the following are advantages of Min Till and Rotovating methods?

• Keeps organic matter on the surface

• Aeration of soil

• Increases risk of soil erosion

• Reduces earthworm activity

Open Ended

Compare the environmental impacts of ploughing and direct drilling on soil structure and carbon release.

Multiple Choice

What is a disadvantage of Direct Drilling compared to other soil cultivation methods?

• Increases soil compaction

• Limited ability to alleviate compaction

• Reduces soil moisture

• Decreases organic matter on the surface

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a cause of soil capping?

• Heavy rainfall

• Planting cover crops

• Late harvesting

• Using subsoilers

Multiple Select

Which of the following are effective methods to minimise soil erosion?

• Planting cover crops

• Cultivating fields on a slope

• Late harvesting of crops

• Using minimum tillage techniques

Open Ended

Explain how cultivation pans are formed and describe their impact on soil health.

Open Ended

Compare and contrast the effects of surface compaction and subsurface compaction on soil structure and plant growth.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a primary goal of soil cultural techniques affecting soil structure?

• Improving soil fertility

• Increasing soil erosion

• Reducing soil biodiversity

• Promoting soil compaction

Open Ended

What is soil amelioration and why is it important for soil structure?