Soil degradation

Which of the following best describes soil erosion?

• A.  the breakdown of soil 
• A.  the improvement of soil
• A.  the addition of soil
• A.  the movement of soil by wind or water

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Soil is made of

• weathered rocks and minerals
• dead plants and animals
• air and water
• all of the above

Which layer of soil are these roots growing in?

• subsoil
• topsoil

When plants, animals, and other organisms die, they break down and become part of the soil. What is this part of the soil called?

• sand
• silt
• clay
• humus

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Many plants cannot grow in sandy soil. Why is this true?

• Sandy soil does not hold enough water.
• Air cannot pass through sandy soil.
• Roots cannot easily push through sandy soil.
• Sandy soil has too many nutrients.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

What is a solution to stop wind erosion on a farmer's field?

• Plow up all of the plants
• Build a pond
• plant trees and shrubs on the edge

Organisms such as mushrooms, bacteria, worms and ants that get energy by breaking down other dead organisms.

• scavengers

• consumers

• decomposers

• carnivores

What two factors will create the biggest strain on natural resources?

• Decreased population and lower living standards
• Increased population and less water
• Increased population and increased living standards
• Decreased population and increased water availability

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

Crop rotation is used by organic farmers to preserve the qualities of the soil?

• YES

• NO

a mixture of decomposing organic matter, such as manure and rotting plants, that is used as fertilizer and soil conditioner

• compost
• recycling
• leachate
• biodegradable

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4