Soil management SAQ Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What are the three key elements essential for plant growth and life cycle, and what are their symbols?

Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), and Oxygen (O)

What are the two categories of essential elements for plant growth and provide examples of each?

Macronutrients (e.g. Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium) and Micronutrients (e.g. Iron, Zinc, Manganese)

What are the effects of Nitrogen deficiency in plants and signs indicating its deficiency?

Slow growth, pale green or yellow leaves, and necrosis in older leaves.

Define lodging in cereal crops and describe how it can be prevented or minimized.

Lodging is the bending of cereal crops over and lying flat; it can be prevented by suitable varieties, proper plant densities, and adequate support. Signup and view all the answers

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

Between pH 6 and 7 Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a straight fertilizer and a compound fertilizer?

A straight fertilizer contains only one essential element, while a compound fertilizer contains two or more essential elements. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of soil testing?

To determine the nutrients available in the land and assess suitability for crop growth. Signup and view all the answers

How does soil type affect soil drainage?

Clay soil has smaller pores, while high sand content is better for drainage. Signup and view all the answers

What are the environmental consequences of eutrophication?

It leads to oxygen depletion in water bodies, harming aquatic life. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) in water quality assessment.

BOD measures the amount of oxygen microorganisms require to decompose organic matter, indicating water pollution levels. Signup and view all the answers

How does winter fodder reliance impact sustainable land use?

Greater reliance on winter fodder can limit grazing options and increase costs, posing challenges for sustainability. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the implications of soil drainage on agricultural productivity.

Proper soil drainage increases aeration, reducing waterlogging and enhancing crop yields. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it critical to apply fertilisers only under specific soil conditions?

Applying fertilizers when land is unsuitable can lead to runoff and pollution, harming ecosystems. Signup and view all the answers

What role do livestock types play in the composition of slurry?

Different livestock produce slurry with varying nutrient profiles, affecting soil amendment strategies. Signup and view all the answers

How does the method of fertiliser application differ between FYM and slurry?

FYM is applied using a muck spreader, while slurry requires a tank with a splash plate for distribution. Signup and view all the answers

What safety measures should be taken when handling fertilisers and why?

Wearing goggles, gloves, and overalls protects against harmful exposures from chemicals. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Elements for Plant Growth

Essential elements for plant life include Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), and Oxygen (O).

Categories of Essential Elements

Macronutrients: Required in larger amounts (e.g., Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium).
Micronutrients: Needed in trace amounts (e.g., Iron, Zinc, Manganese).

Nitrogen Deficiency in Plants

Causes slow growth and pale green or yellow leaves.
Older leaves may exhibit necrosis as a sign of deficiency.

Lodging in Cereal Crops

Lodging refers to the bending over of cereal crops and lying flat.
Preventative measures include selecting suitable varieties, maintaining proper plant density, and providing adequate support.

Soil Management Benefits

Good soil management provides a fertile medium for crops, supports grassland, produces quality fodder, and reduces disease risks in soil.

Role of Calcium in Plants

Calcium is crucial for cell wall formation.

Ideal Soil pH

Nutrient availability in soil is optimal between pH 6 and 7.

Purpose of Soil Testing

Soil testing determines nutrient availability and suitability for crop growth.

Fertilizer Types

Straight Fertilizer: Contains one essential element.
Compound Fertilizer: Contains two or more essential elements.

CAN Fertilizer Benefits

Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) offers both fast-acting and slow-acting nitrogen.

Urea Fertilizer Disadvantages

Urea is prone to volatilization, which leads to nitrogen loss.

Pasture Types

Grazing pastures have higher phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) levels with ideal pH.
Silage production pastures have lower P and K levels with low pH.

Ideal Weather for Slurry Spreading

Overcast and misty days in spring are ideal for reducing emissions.

Soil Type and Drainage

Clay soil has smaller pores, limiting drainage.
Sandy soil enhances drainage due to larger pore size.

Soil Drainage for Livestock

Improved drainage extends the grazing season, reducing reliance on winter fodder.

Eutrophication Definition

Eutrophication is the artificial nutrient enrichment of habitats.

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)

Measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L).

Conservation Goal

Sustainable land use aims to protect and manage earth's resources for future generations.

Earthworms and Soil Structure

Earthworms enhance soil structure through better aeration and drainage.

Restrictions on Fertilizer and Slurry Application

Avoid application during waterlogged, flooded, or snow-covered conditions, or before heavy rain.

Nutrient Management Programmes Purpose

These programmes focus on sustainable nutrient management to prevent pollution.

Soil Drainage Effects on Crop Yields

Proper drainage can lead to increased crop yields.

Ammonium Hazards

Ground-level ammonium poses toxicity risks to germinating seeds.

Urea Spreading Recommendations

Avoid applying urea during warm, dry weather to minimize volatilization.

Safety Precautions for Fertilizer Handling

Wear goggles, gloves, and overalls to protect against skin and respiratory exposure.

Pig Slurry Advantage

Pig slurry is better balanced with a lower phosphorus content, beneficial for grazed swards.

Fertilizer Benefits of Slurry

Spreading pig or cattle slurry helps to balance soil fertility, particularly on silage ground.

Slurry Tank Agitation Necessity

Proper agitation with ventilation prevents the release of toxic gases like hydrogen sulfide and methane.

Application Methods for FYM and Slurry

Farmyard manure (FYM) is applied using muck spreaders, while slurry is spread with slurry tanks equipped with splash plates.

FYM vs. Slurry Effects on Soil

FYM improves soil structure significantly, whereas slurry has minimal impact.

Nutrient Release Rate Comparison

FYM releases nutrients more slowly compared to the rapid nutrient release of slurry.

Slurry Composition Factors

The composition of slurry is influenced by the type of livestock.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the key elements necessary for plant growth and their life cycle. This quiz covers essential macronutrients and micronutrients, along with identifying the signs of nutrient deficiencies in plants. Get ready to explore the fundamentals of plant biology!