Soil Management MCQs

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

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.