Across
- 2. source pollution: Non-point source pollution refers to pollution that comes from multiple diffuse sources, such as runoff from agricultural fields, urban areas, and roads.
- 5. Desertification is the process by which fertile land gradually becomes desert or barren due to factors like climate change, deforestation, overgrazing, and unsustainable land use practices.
- 10. Irrigation is the artificial application of water to land for agricultural purposes.
- 12. Overgrazing occurs when animals graze on vegetation for an extended period, leading to the depletion of plant cover and soil erosion.
- 14. farming: Contour farming is a technique where crops are planted along the contours of the land, following the natural slope.
- 15. Pesticides are chemicals used to control or eliminate pests, such as insects, weeds, and diseases that can damage crops.
- 16. island: A heat island is when urban areas are significantly warmer than the surrounding rural areas due to human activities and the materials used in cities that absorb and retain heat.
- 17. Terracing is a farming technique that involves creating a series of leveled steps on sloped land to prevent soil erosion, conserve water, and enable cultivation.
- 19. agriculture: Sustainable agriculture is an approach to farming that aims to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
- 21. It refers to the basic structures and facilities needed for a society to function, like roads, buildings, and utilities.
- 23. bloom: An algal bloom is a rapid and excessive growth of algae in bodies of water, such as lakes or oceans. This growth is often fueled by high nutrient levels, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, in the water.
Down
- 1. Salinization is the accumulation of salts in the soil, often caused by improper irrigation practices, high evaporation rates, and poor drainage.
- 3. agriculture: Organic agriculture is a farming system that relies on natural methods and avoids the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and irradiation.
- 4. Wastewater is any water that has been used and contains various pollutants, such as from domestic, industrial, or agricultural sources. It typically includes water from sinks, toilets, showers, and industrial processes.
- 6. tide: Red tide, also known as harmful algal bloom (HAB), is a specific type of algal bloom caused by the rapid growth of certain species of algae, typically dinoflagellates.
- 7. Tilling refers to the mechanical manipulation of the soil to prepare it for planting, improve soil structure, and control weeds.
- 8. pollution: Point-source pollution refers to pollution that originates from a single identifiable source, such as a factory or wastewater treatment plant.
- 9. A pathogen is a microorganism, such as a bacterium, virus, or fungus, that can cause disease in plants, animals, or humans.
- 11. A shelterbelt is a row of trees or shrubs planted to provide protection against wind, reduce soil erosion, and create a microclimate beneficial for crops or livestock.
- 13. Intercropping is the practice of growing different crops together in the same field, which can help maximize land use, improve soil health, and reduce pests and diseases.
- 14. eutrophication: Cultural eutrophication refers to the accelerated process of nutrient enrichment in bodies of water, such as lakes or rivers, due to human activities. Excessive nutrients, often from agricultural runoff or wastewater, can cause excessive plant and algal growth, leading to oxygen depletion and negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems.
- 18. Sprawl is the unplanned and rapid expansion of urban areas into surrounding rural or undeveloped areas, characterized by low-density development and car-dependent lifestyles.
- 19. degradation: Soil degradation is the decline in soil quality, fertility, and productivity, often caused by erosion, pollution, nutrient depletion, and loss of organic matter.
- 20. rotation: Crop rotation is the practice of growing different crops in a specific sequence on the same piece of land over time.
- 22. crop: A cover crop is a crop grown primarily to protect and improve the soil, rather than for harvest.