combination of past papers Flashcards
list some symptoms that indicate plants are lacking in nutrients
chlorosis-yellowing of foliage
stunted growth
reduced yield/fruiting
discoloration of leaves (purple in tomatoes deficient in phosphorus)
bitter pit in apples, tulip topple, blossom end rot-all calcium deficient
a horticultural situation for a top dressing is?
lawns
a horticultural situation for a base dressing is?
tree planting
a horticultural situation for a liquid feed is?
tomatoes/hydroponics
a horticultural situation for a foliar feed is?
roses/camellias to overcome lime-induced chlorosis
how can growth of plants be increased other than using fertilisers?
organic mulch-retain water/suppress weeds
removal of weeds-reduces competition for light/nutrients/water
space plants to avoid overcrowding
use irrigation to ensure adequate water supply
supply suitable temp to induce growth of plants
state 2 distinct effects of pH on a soil structure
soil organisms affected by extremes of pH
at extremes om not broken down as quickly so crumb structure/porosity of soil affected
flocculation needed in some soils in order for them to be more workable
describe use of a material to raise soil pH
lime-crushed or in powder form as not very soluble
spread by hand or with spreader
incorporate into soil
water in regularly as not effective on dry soil
lime before planting a crop
list the pros and cons of using sulphur to lower soil ph
easy to apply
measured accurately
fast acting
no effect on soil structure
can be slow to act depending on particle size and needs reapplication
list the pros and cons of using om to lower the soil ph
improves soil structure
adds micro-organisms which are beneficial
natural/sustainable
re-application required
ability to lower ph variable
environmental benefits of making compost are?
no need to take waste to landfill sites
correct carbon;nitrogen ratio therefore no additives required
disease not passed on
soil will benefit from increased s.o activity
environmental benefits of using compost are?
less om needs to be brought in so less transport and costs
should know ph as you know what it is made of
using om on sandy soil improves structure/water holding capacity
reduced need for synthetic fertilisers
soil structure improved overall
what are high carbon materials for composting
brown: cardboard, straw, non-glossy paper, dry leaves, shredded woody prunings
what are high nitrogen materials for composting?
green: grass clippings, veg peelings, green leaves, green prunings, comfrey leaves
what are the benefits of primary soil cultivation?
exposes heavy soils to action of frost over winter
exposes pests to predators
incorporated om/grit
burys annual weeds
compaction alleviated
rhizomes/roots of perennial weeds can be removed
what are the limitations of primary soil cultivation?
soil structure can be damaged releases carbon into atmosphere soil prone to more erosion soil pan created by digging to same depth repeatedly soil surface capping weeds brought to surface
how do you minimise negative effects of soil cultivation?
don’t work on soil when too wet/rain imminent
reduce cultivation amount-no dig method
use bed systems to avoid walking on soil
don’t walk on soil after its been cultivated
name four soil horizons
o- organic layer
A- Top soil
B- Sub soil
C- Parent rock
what are some garden cultivation methods?
digging-single or double raking forking hoeing rotary cultivation
benefits of digging are?
releives compaction
incorporates om
buries weeds/weed seeds
benefits of forking are?
remkves lumps in soil
aerates soil
brings pests to surface
can roughly fork om
benefits of raking are?
levels soil
removes large stones/lumps
creates a fine tilth
benefits of hoeing are?
breaks down surface cap
removes weeds
benefits of rotary cultivation are?
suitable for large areas of land
breaking new ground
improves drainage/aeration
chops up plant debris
