0002 Plant Nutrition and Soil Treatments

Question 1

Why is Nitrogen important?

Answer 1

helps foliage grow strong by affecting the plant’s leaf development. It also helps with chlorophyll production (coloring of leaves)

Question 2

Why is Phosphorus important?

Answer 2

It helps assist the growth of roots and flowers while also helping plants withstand environmental stress and harsh winters

Question 3

Why is Potassium important?

Answer 3

It strengthens plants and contributes to early growth while helping plants retain water. Potassium also affects the plan disease and insect suppression

Question 4

Why is Magnesium important?

Answer 4

contributes to the green color of plants

Question 5

Why is Sulfur important?

Answer 5

helps plants resist diseases and contributes to the plant growth and the formation of seeds. It aids in the production of amino acids, proteins, enzymes and vitamins.

Question 6

Why is Calcium important?

Answer 6

aids in the growth and development of cell walls.

Question 7

Why are well developed cell walls important?

Answer 7

helps plants resist diseases and uptake nitrogen for plant metabolism

Question 8

What is the ideal ratio for “N-P-K”

Answer 8

3-1-2

Question 9

What is the ideal ratio for “N-P-K” for good rooting and transplanting?

Answer 9

6-20-20

Question 10

What is the ideal ratio for “N-P-K” for good flowering?

Answer 10

6-20-6

Question 11

Name some additives to soil that can help?

Answer 11

Lime, Ash, Mulch

Question 12

What does Lime provide? When should you add Lime?

Answer 12

Boosts nutrients and increases the pH. You should add when magnesium is missing.

Question 13

What does Ash do?

Answer 13

it increases the pH and potassium

Question 14

What does Mulch do? What are some examples of Mulch?

Answer 14

Helps with erosion and maintaining moisture. it is a medium-enhancer for soil and increases carbon. Some examples include dead leaves, hay and straw.

Question 15

What is the purpose of testing the fertility? How do you test the fertility?

Answer 15

To measure NPK in soil profile. Test by adding Nitrate, Phosphorus or Potassium tablet and compare the color to a chart.

Question 16

After testing the fertility what results would you expect (want) to see?

Answer 16

Low nitrate/nitrogen levels since plants take up nitrate quickly. Phosphorus should be low if the soil pH is less than 5.0 or greater than 8.0. Potassium should be medium to high readings.

Question 17

What might a low potassium reading indicate?

Answer 17

extremely weathered soil

Question 18

What two methods can you use to determine the texture of the soil?

Answer 18

Feel method and Jar method

Question 19

Explain the feel method

Answer 19

moisten the soil and compress between thumb and forefinger

Question 20

Explain the jar method

Answer 20

fill jar with well-sifted soil, add water and some dish soap, shake and allow it to settle to form horizons

Question 21

How do you test the soil?

Answer 21

add soil and distilled water together
add vinegar (if it foams/fizzes your soil is alkaline)
add baking soda (if it foams/fizzes your soil is acidic)

or

break up clumps, drain sample through a filter and use pH strip to determine pH

Question 22

What is the average healthy soil range?

Answer 22

6.2-6.8

Question 23

What does the pH mean?

Answer 23

the measure of hydrogen ion concentrate. High hydrogen ion concentrate means it’s acidic and low hydrogen ion concentrate means it’s basic.

Question 24

What is organic fertilizers? What do they do?

Answer 24

its the addition of organic material to the soil, it increases the ability to retain moisture and sequesters carbon into the soil

Question 25

What are the positives of inorganic fertilizers?

Answer 25

high in nutrients, quick release and you can add the exact amount of nutrients you need

Question 26

What/how are liquid fertilizers used?

Answer 26

spot treatments, can combine with pesticides, absorb more

Question 27

What are slow-release pesticides?

Answer 27

they release slowly and can last up to 2 month

Question 28

What are granular fertilizers and how are they used?

Answer 28

Small pellets or granules. They release more nutrients with each watering. Mostly used during planting or grass growing season

Question 29

How would you read this fertilizer formula:

“8-0-24”

Answer 29

8% Nitrogen
0% Phosphorus
24% Potassium

Question 30

What are some examples of other soil additives?

Answer 30

tire chunks, sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, sodium sulfate and potassium permanganate

Question 31

What do Tire chunks provide?

Answer 31

suppress weeds, retain moisture and keep soil cool in the summer and warm in the winter

Question 32

What is another word for soil amendments and please define that term

Answer 32

Fertilizer: any material added to soil to improve its physical properties, such as water retention, permeability, water infiltration, drainage, aeration and structure