Abstract Never before in the history of mankind have we faced an environmental dilemma with the worldwide effects of soilerosion. The problem is so severe, that many experts fear the land will not be able to produce enough food to feed the world's population in the next century. The paper discusses the problem as two fold - marginal land and deforestation. Much of the world's land is marginal sandy desert and sub-desert. In order to feed and house their growing populations many countries in South America, Asia, and Africa clear the world's forests to create more grazing land. The paper shows that, although much of this land has rich soil, the effect of deforestation is an increase in soilerosion. Once the trees are removed, the soil erodes and soon becomes marginal. Combined this with the problem of acid rain, other forms of pollution, and over population, and it is obvious we are entering a time of intense food scarcity.
From the Paper "In order to preserve life for future generations, we must preserve the soil. Conservation and research are the keys to the future. Conservation and improving soil quality will prevent food shortages in the future. The quality of food today has decreased to dangerously low levels. In spite of increased knowledge about nutrition and advancements in medicine, people today are not as healthy as previous generations. We suffer from nutrient deficiencies related to the poor quality of soil."
Abstract In this essay, the writer points out that soil bacteria control the course of nitrogen, carbon, and phosphorus through ecosystems. Soil samples were taken from established sites, which have undergone existing long-term manipulations of temperature, nutrient and light availability. The writer discusses that the soil samples were found to contain bacteria through testing and are being studied to determine whether treatments known to affect plant communities also affect soil microbial biomass, activity, gene expression, and community composition as measured by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphisms.
From the Paper "Soil is an intricate and active biological system, and at times it is difficult to determine the composition of microbial communities in soil. Yet, the study requires a wide variety of methods, which includes methods of extracting DNA from soil suitable for PCR amplification to monitor GM rhizobia and extracting mRNA directly from soil to use in gene expression studies. Hydrocarbons seem to be a contaminated factor when isolating the soil samples in determining bacteria characterization. "Bacteria were isolated from contaminated soil with the media indicating several homolog similarities (researched the possibility of several bacteria names through DP database as determined by the program SIMILARITY_RANK (10)"."
Abstract This work researches and examines why many Ohio soils have significantly more clay in the subsoil than in their surface horizons or the soil parent material. The author argues that these changes are due to man's agricultural pursuits in the area. The paper also explores the soil in terms of Ohio's climate and the soil's organic composition.
From the Paper "Soil organic matter is the source of nitrogen, phosphorus and other micronutrients needed in crop production and which is formed during the oxidization and decay processes that occur in the soil. The levels of these nutrients produced by the soil processes is difficult to change. According to the work entitled: " " published in the Agronomy Bulletin: "Historically, when forages were part of the crop rotation, nutrient release and soil tilth increased due to the season-long production of roots. Currently, well fertilized, high-yielding grain crops return large volumes of residue to the soil and are a source of nutrients. On medium-textured soils low in organic matter, crop residues are usually more beneficial when left on the surface than when incorporated. During the growing season this surface residue reduces the formation of soil crusts and results in increased water infiltration and higher crop yields. Crop residue on the surface of fine-textured soils such as silty clay loam or clay loam may delay planting by delaying soil drying." (Ohio Agronomy Guide, 14th Edition; accessed online 2006-04-08)"
Abstract This paper discusses the methodology described in an article by Christopher J. Moran and Elisabeth N. Bui entitled "Spatial Data Mining for Enhanced Soil Map Modeling". This paper notes the terrain attributes the researchers saw as better-suited to landscape description as predictors of soil type, using a map sampling strategy and testing it on a region in eastern Australia.
From the Paper "Christopher J. Moran and Elisabeth N. Bui test a new methodology for improving the quality of the soil map models generated by rule induction. In their method, the researchers considered terrain attributes they saw as better-suited to landscape description as predictors of soil type, using a map sampling strategy. The authors use the Murray-Darling Basin (MBD) in eastern Australia as an example of an area not now covered by any detailed form of land-resource inventory, and the authors use their method of spatial modeling to develop soil-landscape models in areas that have been surveyed and then to extend these across the unmapped areas. While this is a logical approach, it raises the question of how certain the authors can be that the model for mapped areas can be extended across unmapped areas. "
Abstract This paper argues the environemtnal dangers of stream bank erosion, and that. if left unattended, it affects the soil fertility, the quality of the communty's drinking water, and endangers the survival of many forms of aquatic species. It offers a solution by growing vegetation alongside the banks to prevent erosion.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Factors Causing Erosion Impact of Erosion Remedy for Erosion Bank Side Plantings
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "Streambank erosion is one of the important and often neglected environmental problems. If not properly maintained the river and the stream banks can be easily eroded by the sheer force of the flowing water during the heavy raining season. The precarious situation, which results as a consequence of erosion, cannot be taken lightly. It is these stream and rivers, which replenish the water needs of the people. Conservation of this vital natural source is an important task and the responsibility lies with man. Let us now briefly analyze the problem of stream bank erosion and the remedial solution."
Abstract In the states of Wisconsin and Georgia, geographical studies have helped experts gain better knowledge of the vegetation, soil, and climate in the regions tested. In order to give an idea of the specific approach that studies have adopted, this paper considers Waycross in Georgia and Madison in Wisconsin. In assessing the climate, soil, and vegetation in these areas, the paper deciphers the similarities and differences between the two regions.
From the Paper "Roadways that are constructed or repaired in urban and suburban activity experience loss of resource at much higher rates. Research reveals that without vegetative protection erosion takes place much quicker. It is estimated that without proper vegetative cover, erosion may exceed 350 tons per acre annually in this region. Erosion at Madison isn"t as much as it is at Waycross, and hence agriculture isn"t affected negatively. Employment in the agricultural industry does not suffer the way that it does at Waycross (Arnalds, 1995)."
Abstract This paper is divided into two parts. The first part distinguishes between glacial erosion and weathering and the second part discusses the varying influence of the factors affecting the rate and type of glacial erosion. The paper shows that the main type of glacial erosion is abrasion and the characteristics of both the bedrock and the abrasive rock have a large influence on abrasion rates.
From the Paper "The concept of glacial erosion can be considered using the "systems approach", with the factors that influence the erosion as the inputs, the type and rate of the erosion itself as the processes, and the resultant landforms and characteristics as the outputs. The type of erosion that has the largest effect on the landscape is abrasion. Abrasion is the process by which entrained, subglacial debris grinds against the bedrock as the glacier moves, and wears the bedrock away as a result. There are three factors that are essential for abrasion to occur."
Tags: geography, glacier, meltwater, Pressure, Melting, Point
Abstract This paper examines how the permeability of soil affects soil and rock parameters. The author explains porosity in soil and discusses how the ratio or air, water and clay in soil affect its parameters. The paper defines several soil types and discusses the characteristics of each soil classification. The paper also examines external and human factors that can alter the characteristic of soil. The paper then discusses aquifers and ground water and explains how this information, when used with a good knowledge of soil porosity and permeability, can be a great tool for having and maintaining an adequate amount of water for people. Figures are included in this paper.
From the Paper "Consequently, identifying the presence of these two regions containing soils that can readily retain moisture is extremely significant. This is because this data is imperative for the purposes of not only measuring the moisture capacity of the soil itself but in assessing accurately the potentiality for leaching through the addition of agricultural chemicals added."
Abstract Soil has long been deemed important by agricultural concerns, however, it was only within the last 150 years that rail travel and, later, large-scale civic works made the study of soil important to civil engineers. The paper shows that the sub-study of civil engineering that is dedicated to the study of soil is more commonly known as soil mechanics. This field is used to assess the soil topography of land before major public or private construction projections are created.
From the Paper "The five main types of soil particles that are encountered by civil engineers include (in order of particle size) boulders, gravel, sand, silt cohesive, and clay. Boulders are the largest elements in soil and usually present a problem to civil engineers, but may be used in a place where the soil is otherwise soft to form a foundation upon which to build a road or other civic work. Historically, boulders were used for this purpose before it was cost-effective to introduce other materials. There are cost efficiencies in the use of boulders: they can often be found where bedrock is not near the surface of the earth, such as in the great lakes region where they were deposited during the last ice age."
Tags: mechanical, properties, Direct, Shear, Bearing, Ratio
Abstract This paper presents an analysis of North Carolina 's erosion of sand dunes. The author examines the causes and solutions to the problem and provides a brief overview of how sand dunes are formed.
From the Paper "The erosion of North Carolina's sand dunes causes definite and easily recognizable problems for North Carolina's coastal communities. The erosion of sand dunes and beaches from North Carolina's barrier islands and mainland coast causes problems for residential and commercial developments, which rely on these dunes and beaches for protection against storm surges. While hurricanes and strong storms have been few this year, in past years these storms have devastated coastal communities with flooding and strong winds, causing tens of millions of dollars in damage in the past decade. (Orrin 142) The best prevention against damage to homes and businesses is the protection and replenishment of sand dunes. It is important to remember that ?nature maintains the dynamic equilibrium of the beaches through the unceasing trade of four factors.? These factors are material, energy, shape, and sea level. (Kaufman 15) Dune erosion is a major problem for North Carolina coastal communities, but new preservation methods and building codes cause less damage to dunes and homes and allow damaged dunes to be repaired or replenished."
Abstract Soil is an incredibly important resource and maintaining the fertility of our soils is a pressing issue at the forefront of environmental science as we try to feed an expanding global population. Queensland, Australia is one area of the world where soil is being depleted and degraded at an alarming rate. Through an examination of this specific resource management problem, this essay analyzes the concept of impact assessment to develop fair, efficient and effective solutions to this environmental problem.
From the Paper ?The preservation and conservation of the worlds soil is a serious resource management problem. The sustainable use of our soil will be a major challenge for the human species for many years to come. When assessing the impact of any resource management problem and developing feasible solutions to that problem certain factors must be taken into consideration. Examining the fairness, efficiency and effectiveness of a proposed solution is paramount to its potential success. A solution for soil loss that is completely unfair to farmers or ranchers will be rigorously opposed and impossible to implement.?
Abstract This paper provides an overview of riprap, which is the most common method of providing erosion control and bank protection on streams and river banks today. A summary of the research is provided in the conclusion. A table and relevant graphics illustrating riprap in action are also provided.
From the Paper "Watershed management and erosion control have assumed new levels of importance in the 21st century. The presence of water in soils essential to the growth of forests, and improved water yield and quality are becoming increasingly important management objectives on many forested lands today. The fundamental principle of watershed management where erosion threatens is the maintenance of continual cover. This same principle applies to stream and river bank protection, where bridge foundations must be fortified from scouring and the ravages of floodwaters. This paper provides an overview rip rap, which is the most common method of providing erosion control and bank protection on streams and river banks today. A summary of the research is provided in the conclusion."
Abstract This paper focuses on sugar cane and issues relating to its interaction with soil. Sugar cane places a heavy burden on the soil on which it grows. It also releases extremely large quantities of phosphorous into the surrounding environment.
Abstract In this paper the author describes a science project in which she attempted to see if antacids had an affect on acid, in particular, acid in soil. In the research, the author hypothesizes, before conducting her experiment, that the antacid will decrease the acidity of the soil. After conducting her experiment, the author concludes that the data collected supports her hypothesis.
From the Paper "The immediate purpose for this experiment was to determine the relationship between antacids and acidity in soil. As discussed in the discussion, I believe that the antacids would have an affect on the acidity mainly because antacids are neutralizers. The data that I collected did support my hypothesis. Although the data may have inadequacies because of the sources of error, it shows that the acidity of the soil did decrease in response to adding the antacids into the soil. The reason why I believe that the data is inaccurate in some parts is because after adding 35 g of antacids, the results turned back towards the acidic end of the pH scale. It wasn't until adding the 50 g of antacid that the results skyrocketed toward the base end of the scale."
Abstract The paper looks at the direct causes of deforestation and at the means by which soil degradation can be reduced. The paper offers the most extreme solution that is a moratorium on commercial timber sales and road construction on federal forests. The paper also suggests that governments provide assistance to workers who feel compelled to engage in activities that contribute to soil degradation and considers the possibility of artificially re-flooding areas that were formerly flooded naturally. The paper also notes the option of encouraging citizens to need less of the products that are harvested from the rain forests in order to reduce the supply of timber logged.
From the Paper "Environmental problems are often and not surprisingly all are interrelated. Two of the elements that are interrelated most closely are deforestation and soil degradation, because soil degradation contributes to deforestation, and the problems that arise from each are one and the same. These two areas of concern are most reflected and well known in South America, in the Amazonian forest, which is losing trees at a disproportionately alarming rate due to land development. These trees are part of an ecological balance because trees clean the earth, and deforestation mixed with soil degradation leads to not only a reduction in trees but a reduction in the amount of trees that are being restored and that can be restored."
