Envirothon Soil

A biological soil crust is an indicator of good rangeland health. Name 4 functions that biological crusts perform.

Answer explanation

-Stabilize soil

-Increase carbon absorption

-Help soil retain moisture

-Help native plants germinate

-Keep invasive species from establishing

-Increased water filtration

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

Name 3 effects that overstocking rangeland for extended periods of time would have on the soil?

Answer explanation

-Increased compaction

-Decrease biotic crust

-Increased erosion

-Decreased water infiltration

-Decreased organic matter

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

If range or Ag land has a history of poor management (i.e. overstocking, over tilling, ect.), resulting in soil health degradation & substantial soil loss due to erosion, how can this trend be reversed? Name 4 ways to regain a properly functioning soil & improve soil health.

Answer explanation

-Prevent further erosion

--Plantings & Conservation

-Increase Plant Diversity

--Seeding & Control Weeds

-Add Organic Matter to System

--Cover Crops & Managed Grazing

-Break Up Compaction

--Cover Crops, Disking, Planting

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

Name 3 essential functions that healthy soil performs.

Answer explanation

-Regulating water

-Sustaining plant & animal life

-Filtering & buffering pollutants

-Cycling nutrients

-Physical stability & support

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

What are 3 indications of soil compaction?

Answer explanation

-Increased bulk density

-Platy structure

-Poor water infiltration

-Increased erosion

-Poor plant growth

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Name 4 characteristics a hydric soil may have.

Answer explanation

-Gleyed Matrix

-Reduced Matrix

-Redoximorphic Concentration

-Redoximorphic Depletions

-Sulfur Smell

-Organic Surface

-Dark Color

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

What is a material found on the surface of the earth consisting of rock, sand, clay, dead plants, and animal remains?

• silt

• soil

• bedrock

• loam

Humus is.....

• the dead parts of plants and animals in soil.

• A food we eat with pretzels.

• The tiny particles inside of soil

• The roots that come off of a plant and live in soil.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which soil has the smallest particles?

• clay

• loam

• sand

• silt

What is the layer of rock that is below the soil?

• subsoil

• topsoil

• humus

• bedrock