Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 11: Problem 14

Explain how soil biota can be killed by human actions and some of the effects.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Human actions like improper agriculture, industrial pollution, overuse of inorganic fertilizers, deforestation and urbanization can harm soil biota. This leads to degradation of soil structure, reduction in nutrient cycling and soil fertility, and disruption of symbiotic relationships between soil organisms and plants. As a result, soil health and ecosystem function is threatened.

Step by step solution

01

Identifying Human Actions That Can Harm Soil Biota

There are several ways in which human actions can unknowingly harm soil biota. These include improper agricultural practices, industrial pollution, overuse of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides, soil erosion and deforestation, and urbanization.
02

Discussing the Effects of Each Action on Soil Biota

Each of these actions can lead to the loss of soil biota. For example, improper agricultural practices can lead to the overuse of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides, killing beneficial microorganisms and insects. Industrial pollution can introduce harmful substances into soil, negatively affecting soil biota. Over-urbanization often results in soil sealing, which restricts the availability of natural habitat for many types of soil biota. The loss of soil organisms can degrade soil structure, reduce nutrient cycling and soil fertility, and disrupt symbiotic relationships between soil organisms and plants.
03

Explaining the Consequences of Soil Biota Loss

The loss of soil biota can have serious effects on soil health and ecosystem functioning. Soil biota are essential to important processes such as nutrient cycling, decomposition of organic matter, soil structure formation, and disease suppression among plants. Their reduction can therefore lead to nutrient poor soils, decreased plant growth, increased soil erosion and ultimately loss of biodiversity.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

5\. What are the main things that plant roots must obtain from soil? Name and describe a process (natural or unnatural) that can keep plants from obtaining the amounts of each of these things they need for survival.

Name and describe the properties of the three main components of soil texture.

What are drylands? Where are they found? How important are they for human habitation and agriculture?

Describe the content and physical structure of the soils that best fulfill the needs of most crop plants.

Describe the roles that humus, detritus, and soil organisms play in creating a soil favorable to plants. Identify the relationships among these three factors.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Environmental Science Textbooks

Biological Resources

Read Explanation

Living Environment

Read Explanation

Ecological Conservation

Read Explanation

Ecology Research

Read Explanation

Environmental Research

Read Explanation

Environmental Policy

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free