IB ESS SL 5.1.5 Soil System Outputs Questions

Practise IB ESS SL 005.001.005 by applying soil system outputs concepts to environmental systems questions.

Exam points

identify outputs from soil systems to the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and human systems, including gases, water vapour, heat, soil particles, minerals, plant uptake and erosion
explain how soil processes and human activities such as deforestation, overgrazing, fallow land, invasive species, leaching, denitrification and erosion change soil mineral storage, structure, water retention and degradation
apply and evaluate soil-system outputs using global and case-study evidence, comparing pathways and impacts on soil quality, nutrient cycling, ecosystems, agriculture and human activity

[Maximum number: 5]

Figure Types and causes of soil degradation globally

Figure Soil profile and the relative proportions of each type of microorganism at increasing depth

(a)

Using Figure, identify which cause of soil degradation makes up the largest percentage globally.

[ 1 ]

(b)

State one process that could reduce the mineral storage from the A horizon.

[ 1 ]

(c)

Explain how deforestation could impact soil quality.

[ 3 ]

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