5.1 Introduction to Soil Systems
5.2 Terrestrial Food Production Systems and Food Choices
5.3 Soil Degradation and Conservation
- Describe the transfers of material within the soil, including biological mixing and leaching (minerals dissolved in water moving through soil)
- List the inputs and outputs of the soil system
- Compare the structure and properties of sand, clay and loam soils (including mineral and nutrient content, drainage, water-holding capacity, air spaces and potential to hold organic matter)
- Know how to use the soil texture triangle
5.2 Terrestrial Food Production Systems and Food Choices
- List factors that affect the sustainability of terrestrial food production systems
- Why are their inequalities in food production and distribution around the world?
- Compare food waste in MEDCs and LEDCs
- What influences a society's choice of food production system?
- What is happening to the availability of arable land? Why?
- Compare eating at lower trophic levels in terms of quantity, cost and resources. Why do some societies choose to eat at higher trophic levels?
- Describe one food production system you have studied. Describe the inputs, outputs, system characteristics, environmental impact and socio-economic factors.
- Describe how we can increase the sustainability of out food production systems.
5.3 Soil Degradation and Conservation
- Discuss the influences of human activity on soil fertility and soil erosion
- Compare commercial, industrialized food production systems and small-scale subsistence farming methods in terms of reducing soil fertility
- Describe what causes salination and desertification
- Describe soil conservation measures (what we add to soil, how to reduce wind, cultivation techniques)