Soil Management MCQs
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a macronutrient?

  • Magnesium
  • Oxygen
  • Manganese (correct)
  • Chlorine

    • What is the primary function of potassium in plant growth?

  • Protein synthesis and translocation of carbohydrates (correct)
  • Activation of plants enzymes and promotion of disease resistance
  • Regulation of plant stomata and water use
  • Production of new cells and seed formation

    • What is the consequence of nitrogen deficiency in plants?

  • Rapid plant growth and high protein content in seeds
  • Slow growth, pale green or yellow leaves, and necrosis in older leaves (correct)
  • Increased resistance to plant disease
  • Vigorous growth and early maturing

    • Which of the following is a method to reduce phosphorus leaching?

    <p>Create buffer or riparian zones around water sources</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of phosphorus in plant growth?

    <p>Production of new cells and seed formation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the consequence of phosphorus deficiency in plants?

    <p>Stunted growth and lack of fruit or flowers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the tendency of cereal crops to bend over and lie almost flat on the ground?

    <p>Lodging</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a micronutrient?

    <p>Oxygen</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of calcium in plant growth?

    <p>Cell wall formation</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

    What is the primary role of magnesium in plants?

    <p>Part of the chlorophyll molecule</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the response to fertilizer in a soil with a Teagasc Soil Index of 1?

    <p>Definite</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the process by which ammonium ions are converted to ammonia gas, which is then lost to the atmosphere?

    <p>Volatilisation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of molybdenum in plants?

    <p>Catalyses key steps of nitrogen, carbon, and sulfur metabolisms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary concern when dealing with high levels of ammonium in the atmosphere at ground level?

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

    Why is it recommended to avoid spreading fertiliser when the weather is warm and dry?

    <p>To prevent volatilisation of toxic chemicals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason for spreading slurry on an overcast and misty day in the spring?

    <p>To decrease the conversion of ammonia gas</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary advantage of using pig or cattle slurry on the land?

    <p>Decreases the need for chemical fertiliser</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main factor affecting soil drainage in areas with high precipitation?

    <p>Groundwater level</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary difference between FYM and slurry in terms of application on land?

    <p>FYM is solid, while slurry is liquid</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary hazard associated with handling slurry?

    <p>Toxic gases released during agitation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary benefit of improved soil drainage in terms of livestock management?

    <p>Less poaching of land by livestock</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary advantage of FYM over slurry in terms of soil structure?

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

    What is the primary factor that affects the composition of slurry?

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

    What is the primary goal of conservation in agriculture?

    <p>To protect the environment for future generations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it recommended to wear goggles and gloves when handling fertiliser?

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

    What is the benefit of minimum tillage or no-till farming practices?

    <p>Reduced soil erosion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason for storing bagged fertiliser at least 10m away from water courses or drains?

    <p>To prevent flooding of water courses</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason for not spreading fertilizer on steeply sloped land?

    <p>To prevent soil erosion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of earthworms in improving soil structure?

    <p>Aeration and drainage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary concern of eutrophication in aquatic ecosystems?

    <p>Depletion of oxygen</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

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    Description

    Learn about the key principles of soil management in farming, including its importance for crop and livestock production, and how it affects soil health and fertility. Understand the essential elements for good soil management.

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