Basic Vegetation Flashcards
What are four advantages of leaving undisturbed areas?
- ) minimizing clearing costs
- ) native vegetation is likely both mature and adapted to the local environment
- )leaving vegetation can filter runoff
- ) soils that are undisturbed have a higher infiltration rate
(Module 6/ Pages 12-13)
What would the term “growing medium” refer to?
Soil
Soils with high bulk density with have low infiltration. What might be a second problem with a soil with high bulk density?
The soil may be impenetrable to plant roots and plants will have a difficult time becoming established.
(Module 6/ Page 16)
If the bulk density of soil in forested land would be 1.03 g/cc and the bulk density on concrete is 2.2 g/cc, what would be the average bulk density of a residential neighborhood?
Typically 1.69 to 1.97 g/cc
Module 6/ Page 16
The majority of soils in Virginia have what pH reading?
They are acidic the average pH reading is between 5 and 6.5
Module 6 / Page 17
What is a good pH range for topsoils used on construction sites?
Between 6 and 7.5
Module 6 / Page 17
If a soil has a low pH, what is the best method to raise the pH?
By applying lime
Module 6 / Page 18
In general, fertilizers are used to supply plants with what?
Nutrients
Module 6 /Page 18
What nutrients are in short supply in soil and can be added with fertilizer?
Nitrogen (N)
Phosphorus (P)
And Potassium (K)
(Module 6 / Page 18)
When a fertilizer has three numbers what do the refer to and in what order? An example might look like this: “10-20-10”
The three numbers refer to the amount of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium.
(Module 6 / Page 18)
If a fertilizer bag says it is 10-5-7 and the bag is 75 lbs, how much potassium is in the bag?
A) 5 lbs B) 5.25 lbs C) 7 lbs D) 3.75 lbs E) 10 lbs
5.25 lbs
.07 * 75 lbs = 5.25 lbs
(Module 6 /Page 18)
If a site can not be seeded within a required timeframe due to frost or drought, what action should be taken?
The site still must be stabilized. A good option would be using mulch.
(Module 6 / Page 19)
What is the difference between annuals and perennials?
Annuals live for one year or season and should be used for temporary seeding.
Perennials, under normal circumstances, live more than one year.
(Module 6 / Page 20)
Why is topsoil much darker than subsoil?
Topsoil is darker due to the accumulation of organic matter since it is the soil layer with the most biological activity, water, and nutrients required for plant establishment
(Module 6 / Page 21)
In some instances, can subsoil be a good substitute to topsoil?
If so, when?
Yes. Subsoil can be a good substitute if properly limed and fertilized. And used in low maintenance areas.
(Module 6/ Page 21)