Soil Degradation

An accumulation of soluble salts

• Alkalization

• Salinization

• Desertification

• Degradation

An accumulation of exchangeable sodium

• Alkalization

• Salinization

• Desertification

• Degradation

A condition resulting from the removal of productive plant cover

• Alkalization

• Salinization

• Desertification

• Degradation

A lowering of the quality of soil or the loss of soil productivity

• Alkalization

• Salinization

• Desertification

• Degradation

Results after years of tillage with heavy machinery and often breaks down soil structure

• Compaction

• Construction

• Natural Erosion

• Degradation

Removes topsoil at an excessive rate due to human activity

• contamination

• accelerated erosion

• Natural Erosion

• Degradation

What is the term that describes human activities that remove topsoil at an excessive rate?

• accelerated erosion

• geologic erosion

• natural erosion

• saltation

Construction, contamination, and erosion cause _________________________.

• soil degradation

• soil improvement

• soil productivity

• soil sustainability

Which of the following statements is true regarding construction?

• Construction improves the soil when unproductive grasses and trees are removed.

• Construction degrades the soil by replacing productive land with structures that prevent the production of plants or animals.

• Digging deep into the earth brings up nutrient-rich soil that raises fertility when it is spread on the surface.

• Heavy equipment improves soil productivity indirectly by improving soil structure.

What is an accumulation of exchangeable sodium in the soil, which is harmful to plant growth?

• acidification

• alkalization

• acceleration

• salinization