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)
How much topsoil is needed?
2 to 4 inches
Module 6/ Page 21
What should you do to subsoil before placing topsoil?
Scarify the subsoil to a depth of 2 inches before spreading topsoil.
(Module 6/ Page 22)
When placing mulch, how much is recommended?
2 tons per acre
Module 6/ Page 22
What is a tackifier?
A cellulose-like material that contains a binder used when seeding and mulching with the use of a hydro-seeder.
(Module 6/ Page 22)
What type of slopes may be warmer and drier and therefore make it difficult to establish new vegetation?
Slopes oriented facing the south or southwest
Module 6/ Page 23
Annuals generally only last one year. What are other characteristics that make them ideal for temporary seeding?
- Germinate quickly
- Survive under more adverse conditions
- inexpensive to purchase
(Module 6/ Page 23-24)
Which of the following options for temporary seeding are “potentially non-native invaders” and should be planted with caution?
- Oats
- Rye
- Weeping Lovegrass
- Annual Ryegrass
- German Millet
- Korean Lespedeza
Weeping Lovegrass and Korean Lespedeza are listed by the USDA as potential non-native invaders
(Module 6/ Page 23)
What is a problem in using a contractor’s mix while permanent seeding?
Contractor’s mixes are not site specific and done without the recommendations of a landscape architect or planner
(Module 6/ Page 25)
What is the most cost effective measure in controlling erosion?
Preserving existing vegetation
Module 6/ Page 12
In what areas would sodding be recommended?
High maintenance areas or areas requiring instance cover like ditches or swales.
(Module 6/ Page 26)
How long can sod be placed after it is harvested?
Sod needs to be placed within 36 hours
Module 6/ Page 26
Sodding can be established almost all year long, but what circumstances would prohibit placing sod?
If soils are soggy, excessively dry, hot, or frozen
Module 6/ Page 26
What is a native species?
Those that naturally occur in the region in which they evolved.
(Module 6/ Page 36)
What plant, currently mentioned for use in the Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook, does DEQ highly discourage the use of (especially in Stormwater channels and stream banks) since it is highly invasive?
Chinese Lespedeza
Module 6/ Page 37
What two reasons make using a seed mix highly desirable?
-because some native plants take longer than one year to fully establish and by placing a mix you prevent establishing a monoculture
(Module 6/ Page 38)
How many different planting seasons are there?
3 summer, spring, and fall/winter
Module 6 / Page 25
What species are good for planting in the summer for temporary seeding?
German Millet, Weeping Lovegrass, and Korean Lespedeza
Module 6 / Page 25
What species are good for planting in the fall/winter for temporary seeding?
Rye and annual ryegrass
Module 6 / Page 25
What species are good for planting in the spring for temporary seeding?
Oats, Korean Lespedeza, and annual ryegrass
Module 6 / page 25
How many different native species can you name that are alternatives to using invasive or over-used species in low maintenance areas?
Roundheaded bushclover, Partridge pea, Butterfly weed, Joe-pey weed, Orange coneflower, Big blue stem, Indian grass, side oats grama, Switch grass, Broom sedge, Deertounge, Canadia wildrye, Bottlebrush grass, and Virginia wildrye
(Module 6 / Page 26)
How many different invasive or over-used species can you name?
Chinese lespedeza, Birdsfoot trefoil, orchard grass, Redtop, weeping lovegrass, crownvetch, tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass
(Module 6 / Page 26)
What is sprigging?
The planting of sprigs, or plant sections that includes crowns and roots at spaced intervals in furrows or holes either done by hand or with mechanical row planters. It uses no soil with the plants and is an alternative to seeding, plugging, or sodding.
(Module 6 / 21)
