Soil Management Principles
32 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

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 what are some 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 what are some signs of Nitrogen deficiency?

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

What is lodging in cereal crops, and how can it be prevented or minimized?

<p>Lodging is the tendency of cereal crops to bend over and lie flat on the ground. It can be prevented or minimized by using suitable varieties, maintaining proper plant densities, and providing adequate support.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the benefits of good soil management in arable and livestock farming?

<p>Good soil management provides a medium for crop growth, grassland, and good quality winter fodder, and can reduce the threat of disease in soils.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of calcium in plants?

<p>Needed in cell wall formation</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Between pH 6 and 7</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of soil testing?

<p>To determine the nutrients available in the land and to determine how suitable an area is for crop growth</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

What is the advantage of using CAN (Calcium Ammonium Nitrate) as a fertilizer?

<p>It provides a combination of fast-acting and slow-acting nitrogen</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the disadvantage of using urea as a fertilizer?

<p>It undergoes volatilization, resulting in nitrogen loss</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between permanent pastures used for grazing and those used for silage production?

<p>Permanent pastures used for grazing have higher P and K levels and ideal pH, while those used for silage production have lower P and K levels and low pH</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the ideal weather condition for spreading slurry to reduce emissions and protect the environment?

<p>Overcast and misty day in spring</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does soil type affect soil drainage?

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

What is the benefit of soil drainage in terms of livestock grazing?

<p>Extended grazing season and less reliant on winter fodder</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of eutrophication?

<p>The artificial enrichment of a habitat with nutrients</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the unit of measurement for Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)?

<p>mg/L</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of conservation in sustainable land use?

<p>To protect and wisely manage earth's resources for future generations</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of earthworms on soil structure?

<p>Improvement of soil structure through aeration and drainage</p> Signup and view all the answers

When should fertiliser and slurry not be spread on land?

<p>When land is waterlogged, flooded, snow-covered, or forecasted to have heavy rain within 48 hours, or on steeply sloped land</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of nutrient management programmes in conservation?

<p>To manage nutrients sustainably and prevent pollution</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does soil drainage affect crop yields?

<p>Increased crop yields</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the hazards associated with ammonium in the atmosphere, especially at ground level?

<p>Toxicity to germinating seeds</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it recommended to avoid spreading urea fertiliser during warm and dry weather?

<p>To avoid volatilisation of fertiliser, which can lead to toxic chemicals</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of wearing goggles, gloves, and overalls when handling fertilisers?

<p>To protect the skin and respiratory system from exposure</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of using pig slurry over cattle slurry for grazed swards?

<p>Pig slurry is better balanced with lower K content</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of spreading pig or cattle slurry on the land in terms of soil fertility?

<p>Helps balance soil fertility levels, especially on silage ground</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it necessary to agitate slurry tanks with proper ventilation?

<p>To avoid releasing toxic gases such as hydrogen sulfide and methane</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference in the application method of FYM and slurry on land?

<p>FYM uses a muck spreader, while slurry uses a slurry tank with a splash plate</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does FYM affect soil structure compared to slurry?

<p>FYM improves soil structure, while slurry has little effect</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference in the release of nutrients between FYM and slurry?

<p>FYM releases nutrients slower, while slurry releases nutrients faster</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor affects the composition of slurry?

<p>Livestock type</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Soil Management Principles

  • Good management is critical for successful crop and livestock production, and good soil management is a key component.
  • Soil provides a medium for crop growth, grassland, and good quality winter fodder.
  • Good soil management can reduce the threat of disease and contain deficiency diseases.

Soil Health and Fertility

  • 17 essential elements are crucial for plant growth and life cycle.
  • 3 key elements are Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), and Oxygen (O).
  • Remaining 14 elements are classified as Macro and Micronutrients.

Macronutrients

  • Nitrogen (N) is needed for:
    • Photosynthesis (Chlorophyll)
    • Protein Production (Amino Acids)
    • Growth (DNA)
    • Reproduction in Plants
  • Sufficient Nitrogen:
    • Rapid plant growth
    • High protein content in seeds
    • Dark green vegetation
  • Nitrogen Deficiency:
    • Slow Growth - small plants
    • Pale green/ yellow due to lack of chlorophyll
    • Necrosis (death) in older leaves
  • Phosphorus (P) is needed for:
    • Growth and Reproduction
    • Production of new cells
    • Seed formation and development
    • Transfer DNA to new cells
    • Soluble in water
  • Sufficient Phosphorus:
    • Vigorous growth
    • Early Maturing
    • Increased Resistance to Plant disease
  • Phosphorus Deficiency:
    • Stunted growth
    • Lack of fruit or flowers
    • Wilting
  • Reducing P leaching:
    • Create buffer or riparian zones around water sources
    • Correct application rates to prevent excess P in soil
    • Cover crops to absorb excess P and prevent run off
    • Apply P at correct time

Potassium (P) is needed for:

  • Protein synthesis
  • Translocation of carbohydrates
  • Activation of plants enzymes
  • Promotion of disease resistance
  • Regulation of plant stomata and water use
  • Sufficient Potassium:
    • Increased crop yields
    • Increased root growth
  • Potassium Deficiency:
    • Reduced Crop yield
    • Chlorosis of leaves
    • Slow growth

Lodging

  • Lodging: the tendency of cereal crops to bend over, making it difficult to harvest and reduce yield.
  • Macronutrient:
    • Calcium: needed in cell wall formation
    • Magnesium: part of the chlorophyll molecule
    • Sulfur: contained in amino acids for protein

Micronutrients

  • Iron: synthesis of chlorophyll
  • Zinc: crop resistance against drought
  • Manganese: synthesis of chlorophyll
  • Copper: transport systems in photosynthesis
  • Boron: forming and strengthening cell wall
  • Molybdenum: catalyzes key steps of nitrogen, carbon, and sulfur metabolisms

Nutrient Availability in Soil

  • Most nutrients are available between pH 6 and 7
  • Soil testing allows farmers to determine nutrients available in their land and determine suitability for crop growth.

Fertilizers and Manures

  • Fertilizers: inorganic, manufactured materials that contain one or more essential elements
  • Manure: organic material that consists of plant and animal wastes
  • Examples of fertilizers:
    • Urea: N (46%)
    • CAN (Calcium Ammonium Nitrate): N (27.5%)
    • Sulfate of ammonia: N (21%)
    • Ground rock phosphate: P (12%)
    • Superphosphate: P (7%)
    • Triple superphosphate: P (16%)
    • Muriate of potash: K (50%)
    • Sulfate of potash: K (42%)

Fertiliser Application

  • May be applied by:
    • Placing in the soil
    • Broadcasting
    • Top dressing

Farm Yard Manure (FYM)

  • FYM consists of animal dung, animal urine, and straw from winter bedding
  • As it decomposes, it releases nutrients
  • Contributes to organic matter in soil

Slurry

  • Slurry is liquid manure that contains animal dung and urine
  • Collected in tanks in slatted houses
  • Contains less organic matter than manure due to no straw
  • Absorbs quickly as it's liquid
  • Faster growth
  • Can contribute to weed dispersal

Hazards and Risks

  • CAN: oxidizing, can cause combustion of other materials
  • UREA: volatilization of fertiliser, toxic chemicals
  • Wear goggles, gloves, and overalls to protect skin and respiratory system
  • Handle bags carefully to avoid damage
  • Store same type of fertilisers together

Soil Drainage

  • Soil drainage can be affected by several factors:
    • Soil type
    • Percolation
    • Precipitation
    • Groundwater
  • Types of drainage:
    • Ground Water
    • 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

Conservation

  • Protection and wise management of earth's resources so they can be used for future generations
  • Good management practices for sustainable land use
  • Examples:
    • Spreading Fertiliser and Nitrates regulations
    • Crop rotation
    • Soil testing
    • Minimum tillage or no-till
    • Drainage of land
    • Encourage biodiversity
    • Nutrient management programmes
    • Irrigation of land
    • Protection of beneficial organisms – earthworm

Studying That Suits You

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

Quiz Team

Description

Soil management is a critical component of successful arable and livestock farming. It provides a medium for crop growth, grassland, and good quality winter fodder, and helps contain deficiency diseases and reduce the threat of disease in soils.

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser