ES Ch 9.5 Reading Quiz

What is a key component of more sustainable agriculture according to the passage?

• Reducing topsoil erosion

• Increasing the use of synthetic fertilizers

• Maximizing crop yields

• Eliminating the use of herbicides

Which method involves converting steeply sloped land into a series of broad, nearly level terraces?

• Terracing

• Contour planting

• Strip cropping

• Alley cropping

What is the purpose of contour planting?

• To plow and plant crops in rows across the slope of the land

• To plant crops in alleys between orchard trees

• To alternate strips of row crops and cover crops

• To establish windbreaks around fields

Which of the following is NOT a type of organic fertilizer mentioned in the passage?

• Synthetic inorganic fertilizer

• Animal manure

• Green manure

• Compost

What is one drawback of conservation-tillage farming?

• Promotes the growth of herbicide-resistant weeds

• Increases water pollution from sediment runoff

• Reduces crop yields

• Requires more plowing

What is the goal of retiring highly erodible cropland?

• To identify erosion hotspots and plant them with grasses or trees

• To increase the use of synthetic fertilizers

• To maximize crop yields

• To eliminate the use of herbicides

What is one way to reduce soil salinization according to the passage?

• Reduce irrigation or use more efficient irrigation systems

• Increase the use of synthetic fertilizers

• Maximize crop yields

• Eliminate the use of herbicides

What was a major challenge Dale Aden faced with his farmland?

• Too many animals

• Flooding from the creek

• Too much sunshine

• Lack of seeds

What did Dale Aden decide to do with his marginal land?

• Plant more crops

• Set it aside for wildlife

• Sell it to another farmer

• Build a house

What program did Dale Aden join to help with his conservation efforts?

• Farmers United

• Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM)

• Green Earth Initiative

• Wildlife Protection League