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Cambridge IGCSE Environmental Management practice

Paper 1 structured question: Managing soil erosion

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Managing soil erosion

Exam-style question

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Paper 1TheoryPractical5 marks

A farmer wants to test the effectiveness of contour ploughing in reducing soil erosion on a hillside farm.

Method

Method to Investigate Soil Erosion Reduction by Contour Ploughing

The farmer sets up two plots on a hillside: one ploughed along the contour lines and one ploughed up and down the slope. After heavy rain, the amount of soil lost from each plot is measured by collecting sediment in traps at the bottom of each plot.

Plot typeSoil loss (kg)
Contour ploughed
Up and down slope ploughed
  1. a

    Identify the independent variable in this investigation.

    Aim for approximately 1 distinct marking point.

    [1]
  2. b

    Identify the dependent variable in this investigation.

    Aim for approximately 1 distinct marking point.

    [1]
  3. c

    Suggest one control variable that should be kept the same to ensure a fair test.

    Aim for approximately 1 distinct marking point.

    [1]
  4. d

    Describe how the farmer could improve the reliability of the results.

    Aim for approximately 2 distinct marking points.

    [2]

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Paper 1 structured question: Managing soil erosion

Paper 1TheoryPractical4 marks

Results Table

Soil Loss from Different Erosion Control Methods

MethodSoil loss (kg)
No control (bare soil)15
Terracing4
Wind breaks7
Contour ploughing5
  1. a

    State which method was most effective at reducing soil erosion.

    Aim for approximately 1 distinct marking point.

    [1]
  2. b

    Explain why terracing reduces soil erosion more than no control.

    Aim for approximately 2 distinct marking points.

    [2]
  3. c

    Suggest one reason why wind breaks reduce soil erosion compared to no control.

    Aim for approximately 1 distinct marking point.

    [1]