Agriculture: Soil Management for Crop & Livestock Production
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of manganese in plants?

  • To aid in the synthesis of chlorophyll
  • To activate enzymes involved in metabolism (correct)
  • To produce flowers and fruits
  • To help in photosynthesis

    • What is the ideal pH range for nutrient availability in soil?

  • Between pH 5 and 6
  • Between pH 7 and 8
  • Between pH 6 and 7 (correct)
  • Between pH 8 and 9

    • What is the purpose of soil testing?

  • To identify the soil's texture
  • To determine the nutrient availability in the soil (correct)
  • To check the soil's water-holding capacity
  • To determine the type of crops to grow

    • What is the NPK ratio of a 10-10-20 fertilizer?

    <p>10% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, 20% potassium</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary difference between organic and inorganic fertilizers?

    <p>Inorganic fertilizers are manufactured, while organic fertilizers are natural</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the process by which urea is converted into a form usable by plants?

    <p>Urea - Ammonium - Nitrate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary advantage of using urea over CAN?

    <p>Urea has a higher nitrogen concentration</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the loss of ammonia gas from urea?

    <p>Volatilisation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the correct way to store bagged fertilizers?

    <p>At least 10m away from water courses and combustible materials</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the benefit of farm yard manure (FYM) in soil?

    <p>It contributes to organic matter in soil</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the key component of good management in arable and livestock farming?

    <p>Good soil management</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of soil in agricultural production?

    <p>Provision of a medium for crop growth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many essential elements are crucial for the growth and life cycle of a plant?

    <p>17 essential elements</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of Nitrogen in plant growth?

    <p>Leaf growth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the result of Phosphorus deficiency in plants?

    <p>Reduced root growth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of reducing Phosphorus leaching?

    <p>To prevent water pollution</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of Potassium in plant growth?

    <p>Resistance to disease</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the result of lodging in cereal crops?

    <p>Reduced crop yield</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary benefit of using cattle slurry as a fertilizer?

    <p>It reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and offset expensive chemical fertilizer costs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary factor that affects soil drainage?

    <p>Soil type and percolation rate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the amount of dissolved oxygen needed to break down organic material in a water sample?

    <p>Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary advantage of using pig or cattle slurry over chemical fertilizers?

    <p>It is more environmentally friendly and reduces emissions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the harmful addition of substances to the environment?

    <p>Pollution</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary benefit of good soil drainage?

    <p>It extends the grazing season and reduces the need for winter fodder.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary difference between cattle slurry and farm yard manure (FYM)?

    <p>Cattle slurry is more liquid in consistency than FYM.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary factor that affects the composition of slurry?

    <p>The type of animal that produces the slurry.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Soil Management

    • Good soil management is critical for successful crop and livestock production.
    • Soil provides a medium for crop growth, grassland, and good quality winter fodder.

    Soil Health and Fertility

    • 17 essential elements are crucial for the growth and life cycle of a plant.
    • Three key elements are:
      • Nitrogen (N)
      • Phosphorus (P)
      • Potassium (K)

    Macronutrients

    • Nitrogen (N) is needed for:
      • Sufficient nitrogen supply for plant growth
      • Deficiency symptoms: pale green or yellow leaves, stunted growth, and reduced yields
    • Phosphorus (P) is needed for:
      • Plant growth and development
      • Deficiency symptoms: stunted growth, poor root development, and reduced yields
    • Potassium (K) is needed for:
      • Plant growth and development
      • Deficiency symptoms: weak stems, yellowing leaves, and reduced yields

    Micronutrients

    • Iron (Fe)
    • Zinc (Zn)
    • Manganese (Mn)
    • Copper (Cu)
    • Boron (B)
    • Molybdenum (Mo)

    Nutrient Availability in Soil

    • Most nutrients are available between pH 6 and 7
    • As soils become increasingly acidic or alkaline, the availability of particular nutrients is reduced
    • Soil testing allows farmers to determine the nutrients available in their land and determine how suitable an area is for crop growth

    Soil Testing

    • Soil auger should be used to collect samples
    • Minimum of 20 samples should be taken in a W shape
    • Avoid taking samples from areas like gates, water sources, and ditches

    Teagasc Soil Index

    • Index description: response to fertilizer
    • Five categories:
      • 1: Very Low (Definite response)
      • 2: Low (Likely response)
      • 3: Medium (Unlikely/tenuous response)
      • 4: Sufficient/Excess (No response)

    Fertilizers and Manures

    • Fertilizers: inorganic, manufactured materials that contain one or more essential elements
    • Manures: organic materials that consist of plant and animal wastes
    • Organic: derived from living organisms
    • Inorganic: not derived from living organisms

    Fertilizers

    • Urea: 46% N
    • CAN (Calcium Ammonium Nitrate): 27.5% N
    • Sulfate of ammonia: 21% N
    • Ground rock phosphate: 12% P
    • Superphosphate: 7% P
    • Triple superphosphate: 16% P
    • Muriate of potash: 50% K
    • Sulfate of potash: 42% K

    Compound Fertilizers

    • N-P-K fertilizers: contain a mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium
    • Examples:
      • 10-10-20 (Grassland, potatoes, cereals)
      • 18-6-12 (Grassland, cereals)
      • 27-2.5-5 (Cereal crops, intense grazing)
      • 24-2.5-10 (Grassland)
      • 7-6-17 (Root crops)

    Handling and Storage of Manure

    • Store bagged fertilizers at least 10m away from water courses or drains
    • Wear a mask when opening and filling spreaders
    • Clean up any spills to avoid entry into water courses
    • Handle bags carefully to avoid damage
    • Store same type of fertilizers together
    • Indoor storage: do not store near combustible materials (hay or straw)
    • Wear gloves when handling

    Fertilizer Application

    • Methods:
      • Placing in the soil
      • Broadcasting
      • Top dressing

    Farm Yard Manure (FYM)

    • Consists of animal dung, animal urine, and straw from winter bedding
    • Can be applied to the land
    • Releases nutrients as it decomposes
    • Contributes to organic matter in soil

    Type of Manure

    • Cattle Manure:
      • 2.5% N
      • 1.5% P
      • 80% N availability
      • 60% P availability
    • FYM:
      • 2.0% N
      • 1.5% P
      • 80% N availability
      • 60% P availability
    • Mushroom Compost:
      • 1.5% N
      • 1.5% P
      • 80% N availability
      • 60% P availability

    Slurry

    • Rich in nutrients (nitrogen to increase crop growth)
    • Decreased need for chemical fertilizers
    • Helps balance soil fertility levels
    • Reduces emissions or decreased volatilization due to decreased conversion to ammonia gas
    • Health and safety precautions:
      • Wear protective clothing and gloves
      • Avoid inhaling ammonia gas
      • Avoid skin contact

    Soil Drainage

    • Factors affecting soil drainage:
      • Soil type
      • Percolation
      • Precipitation
      • Groundwater
    • Types of drainage:
      • Groundwater
      • Shallow water

    Benefits of Soil Drainage

    • Less poaching of land by livestock
    • Extended grazing season
    • Increased crop yields
    • Greater window of opportunity available for tillage operations on well-drained land
    • Less reliant on winter fodder

    Pollution

    • Definition: any harmful addition to the environment
    • Examples:
      • Eutrophication
      • Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)

    Conservation

    • Spreading Fertilizer and Nitrates regulations
    • Good management practices for sustainable land use

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    Description

    Learn about the importance of good soil management in arable and livestock farming, including its role in crop growth, grassland, and winter fodder. Discover how it can help prevent deficiency diseases and reduce the threat of disease in soils.

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