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Questions and Answers
What is the optimal time for transplanting seedlings?
What is the optimal time for transplanting seedlings?
Pruning transplants for control is recommended to enhance growth.
Pruning transplants for control is recommended to enhance growth.
False
What should be provided immediately after transplanting seedlings?
What should be provided immediately after transplanting seedlings?
Water
Direct-field seeding is the most _______ method for planting seeds.
Direct-field seeding is the most _______ method for planting seeds.
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Match the challenges with weak seedlings to their descriptions:
Match the challenges with weak seedlings to their descriptions:
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Which nutrient is preferred in a starter fertilizer solution for transplanting?
Which nutrient is preferred in a starter fertilizer solution for transplanting?
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What is the primary benefit of plug technology in growing transplants?
What is the primary benefit of plug technology in growing transplants?
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Seed quality does not affect successful seed germination and emergence.
Seed quality does not affect successful seed germination and emergence.
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Bare-root transplants are mainly produced for crops such as peppers and tomatoes in the southeastern U.S.
Bare-root transplants are mainly produced for crops such as peppers and tomatoes in the southeastern U.S.
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Name one factor that can affect seed germination and emergence.
Name one factor that can affect seed germination and emergence.
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What physiological change occurs during the hardening of transplants?
What physiological change occurs during the hardening of transplants?
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Transplanting is done when plug plants have only two or three __________ leaves.
Transplanting is done when plug plants have only two or three __________ leaves.
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What conditions are typically provided in specialized mist rooms for seed germination?
What conditions are typically provided in specialized mist rooms for seed germination?
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Match the type of transplant to its method of production:
Match the type of transplant to its method of production:
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Plug culture requires a large media volume for effective plant growth.
Plug culture requires a large media volume for effective plant growth.
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The purpose of hardening transplants is to prepare them for __________ conditions.
The purpose of hardening transplants is to prepare them for __________ conditions.
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What is the primary benefit of precision seeding?
What is the primary benefit of precision seeding?
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Sandy loams and silt loams are generally preferred for vegetable production.
Sandy loams and silt loams are generally preferred for vegetable production.
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What determines soil fertility?
What determines soil fertility?
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Three elements essential for plant growth come from the air: carbon, hydrogen, and __________.
Three elements essential for plant growth come from the air: carbon, hydrogen, and __________.
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Match the following nutrient types with their definitions:
Match the following nutrient types with their definitions:
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Which of the following is a risk associated with planting to a stand?
Which of the following is a risk associated with planting to a stand?
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Macronutrients make up about 0.3% to 5% of a plant's dry weight.
Macronutrients make up about 0.3% to 5% of a plant's dry weight.
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How many chemical elements are recognized as essential for plants?
How many chemical elements are recognized as essential for plants?
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Which element accounts for the highest percentage of a plant's mass?
Which element accounts for the highest percentage of a plant's mass?
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Fruits and seeds have variable nutrient compositions depending on the plant's nutrition.
Fruits and seeds have variable nutrient compositions depending on the plant's nutrition.
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What is the purpose of harrowing in seedbed preparation?
What is the purpose of harrowing in seedbed preparation?
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Organic matter improves _____, fertility, and moisture retention in soil.
Organic matter improves _____, fertility, and moisture retention in soil.
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Match the soil enhancement practices with their benefits:
Match the soil enhancement practices with their benefits:
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Which of the following is NOT a form of fertilizer?
Which of the following is NOT a form of fertilizer?
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Implementing reduced tillage contributes positively to soil health.
Implementing reduced tillage contributes positively to soil health.
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Name one benefit of using organic matter in soil.
Name one benefit of using organic matter in soil.
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What is represented by the first number in fertilizer grades such as 10-20-20?
What is represented by the first number in fertilizer grades such as 10-20-20?
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Poultry manure contains less nitrogen and phosphorus than manure from other farm animals.
Poultry manure contains less nitrogen and phosphorus than manure from other farm animals.
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How much nitrogen does 1000 kg of fresh cattle manure roughly equate to in commercial fertilizer?
How much nitrogen does 1000 kg of fresh cattle manure roughly equate to in commercial fertilizer?
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Manure can be used as ______ for soil health.
Manure can be used as ______ for soil health.
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Match the following types of manure with their claims or characteristics:
Match the following types of manure with their claims or characteristics:
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What percentage of nitrogen is retained from feed and excreted in manure?
What percentage of nitrogen is retained from feed and excreted in manure?
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Green manure refers to plant material that is incorporated into the soil after it has dried.
Green manure refers to plant material that is incorporated into the soil after it has dried.
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What is the typical N-P-K composition of dehydrated manure from large animals?
What is the typical N-P-K composition of dehydrated manure from large animals?
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What is the primary benefit of using plastic mulch in gardening?
What is the primary benefit of using plastic mulch in gardening?
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Organic mulches can add weed seeds to the soil.
Organic mulches can add weed seeds to the soil.
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Which nutrients do phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) boost in crop yields?
Which nutrients do phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) boost in crop yields?
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Plastic mulches can potentially create _____ conditions if the soil becomes too hot.
Plastic mulches can potentially create _____ conditions if the soil becomes too hot.
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of organic mulches?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of organic mulches?
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Match the following nutrients with their importance:
Match the following nutrients with their importance:
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What is a challenge associated with sandy or leached soils?
What is a challenge associated with sandy or leached soils?
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Commercial fertilizers are used solely for soil improvement.
Commercial fertilizers are used solely for soil improvement.
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Study Notes
Crop Establishment, Transplanting, and Direct Field Seeding
- Crop establishment begins with seed selection, focusing on characteristics like genetic purity, high germination percentage, high vigor, no dormancy, and freedom from foreign matter or contamination.
- Certified seeds are labeled with cultivar name, lot number, purity (typically 99%), germination percentage, date of germination test, and disease/insect treatment information.
- Seed storage is crucial, ideally at 5°C (typical refrigeration temperature), with seed moisture balancing surrounding atmospheric humidity and a relative humidity of 60% at 25°C being sufficient to dry most vegetable seeds to about 10% moisture. Storage durations of at least one year at 10% moisture are safe.
- Avoiding fluctuations in temperature and moisture levels is vital for preserving seed vigor.
- Most vegetable seeds store well under favorable conditions for at least a year.
Transplanting in Crop Production
- Transplanting ensures a complete stand of seed-propagated crops and is more economical when using expensive hybrid seeds.
- Transplanting extends the growing season for late-maturing crops.
- It improves land-use efficiency and saves costs on seeds.
- Transplanting forces early crop production for early markets and improves water efficiency by reducing irrigation needs.
- Other benefits include better early-season weed control, elimination of thinning costs/crop damage, and improved crop uniformity
- Planting methods include greenhouse production (most commercial transplants are grown in heated and ventilated greenhouses), typically in trays or flats.
- Bare-root transplants are another industry practice in the southeastern U.S., primarily for peppers and tomatoes, often grown on raised beds and shipped to northern regions.
- Container-grown transplants are increasingly common, often utilizing plug production systems similar to bedding plants.
- Plug technology decreases seedling production costs, increases transplant mechanization, uses small media volumes (typically peat-based), and requires uniform texture.
- Transplant timing is critical, with ideal planting times when plants have only two or three true leaves.
Direct-Field Seeding
- Direct seeding involves planting seeds directly in the field, making it the most economical planting method.
- Successful germination and seedling emergence can be influenced by soil conditions, weather patterns, and seed quality.
- Proper seedbed preparation is essential for accurate seed placement.
- Challenges may include weak seedlings (especially in carrots and onions that are susceptible to soil crusting and weed competition) and sensitivity to high soluble salt concentrations, particularly in legumes.
- Seeding methods include drilling (seeds placed closely together, similar to a grain drill), precision seeding (high accuracy ensures optimal spacing), and planting to a stand (one seed per designated point).
Soil Fertility
- Soil fertility, the soil's ability to supply nutrients to crops, is influenced by chemical factors (nutrients and soil acidity), physical factors (soil depth, water-holding capacity, aeration, and temperature), and biological factors (harmful organisms like plant diseases and insects, and beneficial organisms for organic matter breakdown).
- 17 chemical elements are essential plant nutrients. Three (carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen) come from the air, while 14 are from the soil.
- Macronutrients (nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and sulfur) are needed in larger quantities and form 0.3% to 5% of a plant's dry weight.
- Micronutrients (e.g., iron, zinc, copper) are equally crucial but needed in smaller amounts.
- Leaves are often used to measure plant nutrient contents, as their composition often reflects nutritional differences.
Soil Preparation
- Preparing the seedbed involves plowing (initial tilling), discing (breaking up large clods), harrowing, and packing/rolling (refining and smoothing).
- Raised bed preparation often uses power bedders, disc tillers, or bed shapers to create uniform raised beds.
- Tillage, crop rotation, cover cropping, and reduced tillage improve soil health, help with nutrient cycling, and reduce pest pressures.
- Organic matter is vital for soil productivity, and adding organic amendments (such as compost) enhances fertility and microbial activity.
Manure
- Manure (derived from animal waste) is used to improve soil quality and increase crop yields.
- Manures offer nutrient supply, increase soil organic matter, and serve as mulch.
- Different types of manure possess varying nutrient compositions. Fresh manure (e.g., from cattle and horses) has a nutrient content equivalent to 10-5-10 commercial fertilizer. Bedding materials dilute manure's nutrient content, potentially requiring composting or added nitrogen.
- Sheep manure has twice the nitrogen and potassium content of manure from larger animals, while poultry manure is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium carbonate.
Mulches
- Mulches include organic materials (like hay, wood chips, and straw) and plastics (black, clear, and colored).
- Organic mulches cool the soil, suppress weeds, add organic matter, and can be applied by hand.
- Plastic mulches warm soils, speed up crop growth (particularly good in cool springs), and suppress weeds, though they can sometimes overheat.
- Other mulch types include bio-degradable plastic and paper, and landscape fabric (can be re-used).
Fertilizers and their Application
- Fertilizers, materials used to supply plant nutrients to soils, include inorganic and organic types.
- Nitrogen (N) is the most commonly used fertilizer, improving crop yields in many cases. Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) also boost yields.
- Fertilizer grades (e.g., 5-10-5) indicate the percentages of nitrogen, phosphorus (as P2O5), and potassium (as K2O) in the fertilizer, respectively.
- Various methods for fertilizer application exist, including broadcasting, banding, side-dressing, starter solutions (e.g., high in phosphorus), foliar application, and fertigation (applying through irrigation water).
- Soil testing is essential for effective fertilizer application to determine specific soil needs and nutrient ratios needed.
Weed Management, Irrigation, and Pest Control
- These are essential aspects of vegetable production.
- Postharvest handling of vegetables is also important for maintaining quality and minimizing losses.
Transplanting Success and Factors Influencing it
- Different vegetable crops have varying degrees of success with transplanting, recovery from transplant shock can vary.
- Transplanting success depends on the plant's ability to regenerate damaged root areas. Factors include transplant age, seedling reproductive development, and field environment.
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Description
This quiz covers essential practices for transplanting seedlings, including optimal timing, nutrient needs, and methods to enhance growth. Test your knowledge on challenges faced with seedlings, benefits of plug technology, and the importance of environmental conditions during germination.
