16 Questions
Why is liming regularly carried out in Ireland?
To replenish calcium ions and improve soil pH
What is the benefit of soil organisms adding nutrients in the form of faeces?
It increases the availability of nutrients such as N, P, and K
What is the term for the total amount of organic matter living in the soil?
Soil biomass
What is the process by which microorganisms in soil break down organic matter and release CO2?
Decay
What is the purpose of spreading FYM in soil?
To act as food for earthworms and improve soil structure
What is the ideal soil condition for earthworms?
pH between 6 and 7
What is the result of liming improving soil structure through flocculation?
Improved drainage and aeration
What is the first step in the carbon cycle?
Photosynthesis
What is the result of combustion of fossil fuels?
Release of CO2
What is the purpose of Nitrogen Fixation in the nitrogen cycle?
To convert Nitrogen gas to Nitrate
What is the role of Rhizobium bacteria in Nitrogen Fixation?
To convert Nitrogen gas to Nitrate
What is the result of Decomposition in the nitrogen cycle?
Formation of Ammonium
What is the process of converting Nitrite to Nitrate?
Nitrification
What is the role of Denitrifying bacteria in the nitrogen cycle?
To convert Nitrate to Nitrogen gas
What is the main purpose of Eco-tillage and minimum tillage in reducing carbon footprint?
To promote soil aeration and reduce CO2 release
What is the term for the amount of CO2 released by an individual or organization?
Carbon Footprint
Study Notes
Soil Management in Ireland
- Rainfall in Ireland causes leaching of bases, making the soil acidic, and regular liming is necessary to replenish calcium ions and increase pH.
- Liming helps release available nutrients (N, P, K), improves soil structure through flocculation, and increases earthworm and bacterial activity.
Biological Properties of Soil
- Soil is a habitat for many organisms, which add nutrients in the form of faeces and decompose organic matter to humus (humification).
- Soil biomass refers to the total amount of organic matter living in the soil.
Soil Organisms
- Macro-organisms: earthworms (Lumbricus Terrestris)
- Micro-organisms: bacteria and fungi
- Earthworms indicate ideal soil conditions, which require a suitable pH, adequate moisture, food (FYM), and suitable temperature.
Carbon Cycle
- Steps: Photosynthesis, Respiration, Consumption, Decay, and Combustion
- Carbon takes multiple forms: CO2, Carbohydrate (CHO), and Carbonate ion (CO3²⁻)
- Farmers can reduce their carbon footprint by planting more trees, reducing diesel usage, growing biofuels, not burning straw, and using eco-tillage and minimum tillage.
Nitrogen Cycle
- Nitrogen takes multiple forms: N2 (Nitrogen gas), NO3⁻ (Nitrate), NH4⁺ (Ammonium), and NO2⁻ (Nitrite)
- Processes: Nitrogen Fixation, Decomposition, Nitrification, and Denitrification
- Nitrogen fixation: conversion of nitrogen gas into nitrate by rhizobium bacteria in the nodules of clover.
- Decomposition: formation of ammonium by bacteria/fungi decomposing dead decaying matter and manure.
- Nitrification: conversion of ammonium to nitrate by Nitrosomas bacteria.
- Denitrification: conversion of nitrate back to nitrogen gas by denitrifying bacteria under anaerobic conditions in waterlogged soils.
Learn about the importance of liming in Irish soils, including its effects on soil pH, nutrient availability, and biological properties. Understand why regular liming is necessary in Ireland's rainfall-driven acidic soil environment.
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