This document contains the 2004 free-response questions for the AP Environmental Science exam. It includes 4 multi-part questions related to topics like mercury in the environment, renewable energy sources, radioactive waste management, soil science, and sustainable agriculture. Students have 90 minutes to answer all 4 questions which are weighted equally, with approximately 22 minutes suggested for each question.
4. 2004 AP® ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE FREE-RESPONSE QUESTIONS
4. Suppose that you have just started a summer internship working for a cooperative extension service, where you
will collect soil samples, conduct laboratory and field tests, and make recommendations on soil conservation and
agricultural practices.
(a) Identify and describe one chemical soil test and one physical soil test that could be performed and explain
how the results of these tests will allow the cooperative extension service to make specific recommendations
for sustainable agriculture.
(b) Explain one advantage and one disadvantage to using inorganic commercial fertilizers.
(c) Describe TWO soil conservation practices that are designed to decrease soil erosion.
(d) Identify one biome that is characterized by soil that is rich in humus. Describe how humus originated in the
soils of this biome and TWO ways that humus improves soil conditions for plant growth.
END OF EXAMINATION
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