1. Describe the importance of any three of the following in the composition of soil: • Mineral matter • Air
• Water • Humus
2. Explain the term leaching. How does leaching have a negative impact on vegetation growth? 3. Briefly explain how three different factors influence the formation of soil.
4. Examine the map, which shows some of Ireland’s principal soil types. (i) Identify the most common soil type in the south-east of Ireland.
KEY
(ii) Choose two Irish soil types and describe any three differences between them.
Podzols Gleys
Brown soils Peaty soils
5. ‘Soil influences the type of vegetation that grows in an area and the vegetation influences the soil.’ Discuss this statement with reference to soil types you have studied.
6. Describe three ways that humans cause soil erosion. 7.
(i) Explain two ways soil is important to humans.
(ii) ’Soil erosion and desertification can occur as a direct result of human activity.’ Suggest three things that could be done to reduce the impact of human activity on soil erosion and desertification.
8.
(i) Why is the exploitation of peat by Bord na Móna no longer sustainable? Give two reasons for your answer.
(ii) Explain three reasons why the peat bogs owned by Bord na Móna make suitable locations for the production of renewable energy.
