Write short notes on the effects of the following farm practices on soil: (a) bush burning, (b) fertlizer application (c) grazing (d) crop rotation
Explanation
Bush Burning: (i) It destroys the seeds of weeds, (ii) It destroys soil borne pathogene (iii) it burns the organic matter content of soil (iv) it kills or reduces the number of soil organisms. (v) It exposes the soil to erosion Fertlizer application: (i) It supplements nutrient content of the soil (ii) it promotes productive capacity of the soil (iii) it increases the population of organisms in the soil (iv) Excessive use of fertilizer can cause soil acidity Over grazing: (i) It depletes the vegetation of the soil (ii) It exposes the soil to erosion (iii) It destroys the soil structure (iv) It leads to the compaction of the soil Crop rotation: (i) It increases the yield of crops (ii) It controls erosion and weed growth (iii) It controls pests and diseases (iv) It ensures the fertility of the soil