Canadian Horticulture Overview

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which fineness of limestone particles has the highest liming value?

Particles finer than 60 mesh (correct)

Particles between 10 and 60 mesh

Particles larger than 10 mesh

Particles with an unknown size

What factor is most influenced by the fineness of grind in limestone?

Type of soil it can improve

Nutrient retention in soil

Amount of acid it neutralizes

Speed of reaction with soil acidity (correct)

Which soil type is characterized as gritty and loose with quick drainage?

Clay Soil

Silt Soil

Sandy Soil (correct)

Loamy Soil

Which compound is recommended for lowering soil pH?

Sulphur Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of using limestone to adjust soil pH concerning crop rotation?

Crop rotations must be considered due to pH adjustments Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary benefit of loamy soil?

It has a fine texture and retains nutrients well. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of surface drainage?

To redirect water flow to reduce flooding. Signup and view all the answers

Which is a disadvantage of subsurface drainage?

It can accelerate the loss of soil organic matter. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of slope on agricultural land?

It affects erosion rates. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) measure?

Long-term soil erosion effects. Signup and view all the answers

How does air circulation help with frost on farms?

It disperses cold air trapped at lower levels. Signup and view all the answers

Which tool is NOT used to measure slope in agricultural contexts?

Moisture meters. Signup and view all the answers

Why is subsurface drainage often beneficial for crop yields?

It minimizes surface runoff. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following fruit crops has the highest production volume in Canada in 2022?

Apples Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate percentage of vegetable farms located in Ontario?

48% Signup and view all the answers

What is the ideal pH range for many fruit and vegetable crops?

5.0 to 7.5 Signup and view all the answers

Which province produced the highest volume of grapes in 2020?

British Columbia Signup and view all the answers

What is a key cause of early blight in tomato and potato plants?

Alternaria solani Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT a climate consideration for fruit and vegetable crops?

Soil drainage Signup and view all the answers

What technique is MOST accurate for determining crop nutrient requirements?

Soil testing Signup and view all the answers

Which vegetable has the highest planted area in hectares among the listed options in 2019?

Corn, sweet Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a symptom that could be confused with soil nutrient deficiency?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

How can raising soil pH levels be achieved?

Calcitic or dolomitic limestone Signup and view all the answers

In which province is the majority of Canadian fruit farming concentrated?

Ontario Signup and view all the answers

What is the prime method for plant tissue analysis?

Evaluate nutrient content within the plant tissue Signup and view all the answers

Which vegetable crop had the highest export value in thousands CAD in 2020?

Mushrooms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common method to assess soil fertility?

Plant analysis Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using frost fans in agriculture?

To increase air flow and reduce the risk of frost damage Signup and view all the answers

How are Growing Degree Days (GDD) calculated?

By subtracting the base temperature from the average of maximum and minimum temperatures Signup and view all the answers

What does the Plant Hardiness Zone indicate?

What plants can grow in a specific area based on temperature Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of slope on air drainage?

It increases air drainage by promoting faster airflow to lower elevations Signup and view all the answers

Why is water availability crucial for crop growth?

Agriculture utilizes more freshwater than any other industry Signup and view all the answers

Which temperature range corresponds to a moderate freeze that damages most crops?

-3.9° to -2.2°C Signup and view all the answers

What factors should be considered for efficient planning around frost?

Frost-free days and temperature forecasts Signup and view all the answers

How does proper drainage affect water utilization in agriculture?

It helps reduce water runoff and maximize water use Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction

The horticulture industry in Canada is a multi-billion dollar business.
Canada’s farming area is limited, with only 7 percent of the land being farmable.
There are over 120 different fruit and vegetable crops grown in Canada.
Ontario and Quebec are the major producers of vegetable crops.

Canadian Horticulture Facts

Farm-gate value refers to the value received by producers at the point of first transaction.
2022 was a strong year for Canadian fruit and vegetable production.
Canadian fruit exports are a significant part of the Canadian economy, reaching over a billion dollars in 2022.

Canadian Fruit Production

Apples are the most produced fruit in Canada, with over 380,000 metric tons produced in 2022.
Cranberries are the second most produced fruit in Canada.
British Columbia and Southern Ontario have the most frost-free days, leading them to be the most productive regions for fruit production.

Canadian Vegetable Production

Ontario accounts for 48% of the vegetable production in Canada.
Quebec accounts for 38% of the vegetable production in Canada.
Potatoes are the leading vegetable crop produced in Canada.

Soil and Crop Fertility

Visual deficiency symptoms can be caused by many things, including herbicide injury, leaf disease, root disease, and nutrient deficiencies.
Soil testing is the most accurate method for determining crop nutrient requirements.
Plant tissue analysis can be used to assess nutrient deficiencies and excesses in plants.
The ideal pH range for most crops is between 5.0 and 7.5.
Calcitic or dolomitic limestone can be used to raise soil pH.
Sulphur or ammonium sulphate can be used to lower soil pH.

Soil Types

Sandy soil drains quickly, which can lead to a lack of essential nutrients.
Silt soil is rich in nutrients and easy to work with.
Clay soil is sticky and lumpy, making it difficult to work with.
Loamy soil is soft and fine-textured, with a good balance of sand, silt, and clay.

Drainage

Drainage is important for reducing the risk of flooding and soil saturation.
Surface drainage involves creating channels to redirect water flow.
Subsurface drainage involves burying perforated plastic pipes to remove excess water.
Proper drainage can increase crop yield, improve soil aeration, and reduce erosion.

Slope

Slope is a major factor in soil erosion.
The Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) and the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE2) can be used to measure the long-term effects of soil erosion.
Soil reports and topographic maps can be used to assess slope.

Air Drainage

Air drainage is important for preventing frost damage.
Cold air is denser than warm air, and will accumulate in low-lying areas.
Removing obstructions such as trees and bushes can improve air drainage.
Frost fans can be used to circulate air and prevent frost damage.

Climate Considerations

Growing degree days (GDD) are a measure of the accumulated heat units during the growing season.
Frost-free days are the number of days in a year that are above freezing.
Plant hardiness zones are based on the average annual minimum temperature.
Water availability is essential for crop growth.
Daylength influences plant growth and development.

Overall

This lecture has covered the major fruit and vegetable crops grown in Canada, and the soil and landscape requirements for these crops. It has also discussed the important climate considerations for success in the horticulture industry.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on the horticulture industry in Canada, focusing on fruit and vegetable production. This quiz covers essential facts about farm-gate values, major producing regions, and leading crops. Discover how Canada's unique agricultural landscape shapes its economy.