Human Pollution

Acid Rain Human activity contain pollutants – Ex. automobiles Enter atmosphere – Nitrogen and sulphur-containing substances Combine with water vapour to form acids Can affect soil, vegetation, lakes, rivers, and animals

Soil Loose covering on the ground Contains a mixture of organic matter, minerals, and moisture Soil quality – Soil profile – Soil type – Soil acidity

Soil Profile Topsoil – Uppermost layer in soil – Hummus (decaying organic matter) – Rock particles, small organisms, fungi, insects, and worms Subsoil – Below topsoil – Compact and little or no organic matter – Bacteria Bedrock – Bottom of soil profile – Solid rock – Water cannot pass through – Water table

Soil Types Loam soil – Different rock particle sizes produce pockets – Contain a lot of hummus – Drains well Clay soil – Extremely small particles – Tightly packed – Excessively wet Sandy soil – Sand particles – Pockets – Drain quickly

Acidity Levels Abiotic factor pH scale – Low = acidic – High = basic

Human Impacts on Soil Soil erosion – Soil being washed/blown away – Can cause loss of top soil – Caused by grazing, ploughing Crop rotation – Different crops grown year after year – Allows replenishment of nutrients in soil – Nitrogen-fixing bacteria

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