SOME SOIL 611 STUDY QUESTIONS:
Define:
We spent some time at the beginning of the semester discussing atmospheric energy balance and weather. How does this relate to soil?
In a soil science course why should we be spending time talking about the hydrosphere and hydrochemistry?
Using some ecosystem component (pollutant or otherwise) as an example, discuss the manner in which soil, water, and atmosphere interact as components of the global ecosystem.
Under what circumstances does a contaminant become a pollutant (or visa versa)?
Discuss how at least one kind of air pollutant may become a soil pollutant.
What is the difference between a contaminant and a pollutant?
How does thermal stratification of a water body affect its chemistry?
How does understanding the atmosphere and how it functions help us with understanding the role of soil as a component of the ecosystem?
The text lists a series of water properties.
How is the concept of "soil quality" similar to and different from the concept of air and water quality?
Outline and briefly explain the important components of the soil nitrogen cycle.
As in any environmental cycle system, there are two things of importance: the QUANTITY of the component in each "pool", and the RATE of transfer from one pool to another (eg. atmospheric N2 is one nitrogen pool). What kind of factors affect the rates of nitrogen transfer from one pool to another*?
Why is it so difficult to manage soil nitrogen?
You find yourself working as a staff person for a legislative Environmental Committee. The committee wants to draft legislation to protect soil and water quality, particularly with respect to detrimental concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. As legislative assistant to the Committee, you are expected to write the appropriate regulations. What will you give the committee? Recognize that there are powerful forces within the legislature that will be antagonistic toward any environmental regulations of this type. You will, therefore, need to provide a solid argument in support of your recommendations.
Describe how surface air temperature inversions form. Why are air-temperature inversions important relative to air pollution in urban areas?
Describe the processes that remove air pollution.
Why is O3 (ozone) in the stratosphere beneficial, whereas O3 in the troposphere is harmful?
Atmospheric stability is highly related to the vertical temperature gradient (see the two graphs under "protective blanket" on the Atmosphere handout). What additional factors will likely affect atmospheric stability? How does atmospheric stability affect dispersion of pollutants (say SO2) emission from a smokestack?
What are the potential sources of nitrate to groundwater?
Describe some land management practices that can help in minimizing nitrogen losses.
Why has P pollution been a problem in the Chesapeake Bay, but generally is not a problem in most other areas?
Briefly discuss the statement: "Soil is a favorable environment as a habitat for microorganisms."
What is Soil Quality? How is it measured?
What is the role of soil in human exposure to pollutants?
Compare the transport of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur in the environment. How do the soil reactions affect your stated differences and similarities?
Sediments can be a major pollution problem in some water bodies, and the analogous dust particles a similar problem in air columns. What factors are involved and need to be controled to reduce the problems? (The Universal Soil Loss Equation includes seven factors.)
Describe some land management practices that can reduce sediment/particulate loss.
Why is everyone so concerned about global warming? Wouldn't a slightly warmer world make it a more favorable place to live?
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What are the ways, exclusive of fertilizer manufacture, by which atmospheric nitrogen is made usable to higher plants?
Define and differentiate ammonification and nitrification.
It is often recommended to give lawns a fall fertilization. Is it wise to use nitrate fertilizer for this application? why or why not?
In what forms may nitrogen be lost from soil? Discuss the conditions under which each form is lost.
How would you prevent or minimize the various gaseous losses of nitrogen?
Describe the soil conditions under which you might expect an appreciable downward movement of phosphorus through the soil profile.
What are the soil conditions under which little loss of sulfur by leachilng would be expected?
Name three ways by which the harmful effects of pollutants can be mitigated (to make less severe) in the soil. What management tools might be used to enhance the mitigative action of each?
If global warming is a reality, New Hampshire may benefit in having a longer growing season and more "degree-days", thus being able to grow more of its own food. (But not necessarily) With what other factors associated with global climate change should land/soil managers be aware, and what can be done about them?
Most soils, particularly those under management, having a high buffering capacity. Why, then, should a soil scientist be concerned about acid precipitation?
A topic visited throughout the semester has been biogeochemical cycles. Why should every person associated with the soil - from suburban gardener to midwest farmer to forest manager have some appreciation of these cycles. How might/should this knowledge affect soil management decisions?
The following is quoted from a North Carolina Extension Publication: "The soil's capacity to use, retain, or reduce the undesirable effects of waste varies significantly according to the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil and the characteristics of the wastes. Thus, the development of a land treatment system must be tailored to the characteristics of the specific site and the specific waste. .... An understanding of soil properties and how these interact with common management practices is essential for reducing the movement of pollutants from the land to our waters. These factors determine the types and amounts of water pollution risks in each situation." Discuss the risks involved and how a knowledge of soil properties and waste characteristics can be used to develop a soil management program that will minimize these risks.
Distinguish between risk assessment, risk determination, and risk perception.
As the book points out, risk perception can override scientific understanding of true risk. In each of the three cases, is the risk overestimated, underestimated, or accurately perceived? Explain your answer. In each case, how might the risk be decreased. How will you likely use knowledge obtained in this class when you graduate? (assuming, of course, that you obtained some knowledge!)
The text primarily discusses risk perception in terms of human health. How is it applicable to situations arising in the soil?
Given: Were it not for potential endangerment to human health and welfare, few people would be concerned with environmental quality. On the other hand, everything we do, from getting up in the morning to removing our clothes for bed at night (even sleeping, for that matter) involves a certain element of risk to our health and welfare. With that in mind:
Name three situations associated with soil in which risk might be assessed.