Soil Management SAQ's. Q & A.docx

What are the three key elements essential for plant growth and life cycle, and what are their symbols? ANSWER: 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? ANSWER: Macronutrients (e.g. Nitrogen, Ph...

What are the three key elements essential for plant growth and life cycle, and what are their symbols? ANSWER: 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? ANSWER: 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? ANSWER: 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? ANSWER: 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. What are the benefits of good soil management in arable and livestock farming? ANSWER: Good soil management provides a medium for crop growth, grassland, and good quality winter fodder, and can reduce the threat of disease in soils. What is the role of calcium in plants? ANSWER: Needed in cell wall formation What is the ideal pH range for nutrient availability in soil? ANSWER: Between pH 6 and 7 What is the purpose of soil testing? ANSWER: To determine the nutrients available in the land and to determine how suitable an area is for crop growth What is the difference between a straight fertilizer and a compound fertilizer? ANSWER: A straight fertilizer contains only one essential element, while a compound fertilizer contains two or more essential elements What is the advantage of using CAN (Calcium Ammonium Nitrate) as a fertilizer? ANSWER: It provides a combination of fast-acting and slow-acting nitrogen What is the disadvantage of using urea as a fertilizer? ANSWER: It undergoes volatilization, resulting in nitrogen loss What is the difference between permanent pastures used for grazing and those used for silage production? ANSWER: 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 What is the ideal weather condition for spreading slurry to reduce emissions and protect the environment? ANSWER: Overcast and misty day in spring How does soil type affect soil drainage? ANSWER: Clay soil has smaller pores, while high sand content is better for drainage What is the benefit of soil drainage in terms of livestock grazing? ANSWER: Extended grazing season and less reliant on winter fodder What is the definition of eutrophication? ANSWER: The artificial enrichment of a habitat with nutrients What is the unit of measurement for Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)? ANSWER: mg/L What is the goal of conservation in sustainable land use? ANSWER: To protect and wisely manage earth\'s resources for future generations What is the effect of earthworms on soil structure? ANSWER: Improvement of soil structure through aeration and drainage When should fertiliser and slurry not be spread on land? ANSWER: When land is waterlogged, flooded, snow-covered, or forecasted to have heavy rain within 48 hours, or on steeply sloped land What is the purpose of nutrient management programmes in conservation? ANSWER: To manage nutrients sustainably and prevent pollution How does soil drainage affect crop yields? ANSWER: Increased crop yields What are the hazards associated with ammonium in the atmosphere, especially at ground level? ANSWER: Toxicity to germinating seeds Why is it recommended to avoid spreading urea fertiliser during warm and dry weather? ANSWER: To avoid volatilisation of fertiliser, which can lead to toxic chemicals What is the purpose of wearing goggles, gloves, and overalls when handling fertilisers? ANSWER: To protect the skin and respiratory system from exposure What is the advantage of using pig slurry over cattle slurry for grazed swards? ANSWER: Pig slurry is better balanced with lower P content What is the benefit of spreading pig or cattle slurry on the land in terms of soil fertility? ANSWER: Helps balance soil fertility levels, especially on silage ground Why is it necessary to agitate slurry tanks with proper ventilation? ANSWER: To avoid releasing toxic gases such as hydrogen sulfide and methane What is the difference in the application method of FYM and slurry on land? ANSWER: FYM uses a muck spreader, while slurry uses a slurry tank with a splash plate How does FYM affect soil structure compared to slurry? ANSWER: FYM improves soil structure, while slurry has little effect What is the difference in the release of nutrients between FYM and slurry? ANSWER: FYM releases nutrients slower, while slurry releases nutrients faster What factor affects the composition of slurry? ANSWER: Livestock type