Exam 1 Flashcards

1
Q

What is an essential element?

A

An element required for normal plant development

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is meant by a Macro-nutrient?

A

Nutrients needed in relatively large quantities

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is meant by a Micro-nutrient?

A

Nutrients needed in relatively small quanitities

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What are the macro-nutrients? (6)

A
N-Nitrogen
P-Phosphorous
K-Potassium  
Mg-Magnesium
S- Sulfur
Ca-Calcium
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What are the micro-nutrients? (6)

A
B-Boron
Cu- Copper
Fe- Iron
Ma- Manganese 
Mo- Molybdenum
Zn- Zinc
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Compounds in which Nitrogen might be found?

A

Alfalfa
Clover
Manure
Soybeans (not removed)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

How do plants respond to Nitrogen?

A

Dark green foliage
Higher protein content
Plants more succulent (more plump)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What might happen to the plant if it receives to much Nitrogen?

A

Weak stem (lodging)
Delayed flowering
Lower plant productivity quality

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Quality reduction that might occur from to much Nitrogen.

A
Low sugar content
Low vitamin content
Bad color
Reduced flower development
Nitrate poising
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Where is the majority of nitrogen on the planet?

A

In the atmosphere

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Why is atmospheric Nitrogen unusable by plants?

A

The nitrogen is bound in chemical bonds that prevent the plant from absorbing it. The nitrogen must be transformed by nitrification.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Indicate the relative balance of organic vs inorganic Nitrogen in the soil

A

organic (1-5%)

Inorganic (95-99%)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

*What makes an Nitrogen atom organic vs an inorganic atom?

A

*

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is the primary form of Nitrogen plants use?

A

NO3- Best
NO- Good
NH3 Good

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What are the four source from which plants get Nitrogen?

A

Biological Fixation
Climatic
Natural Fertilizers
Synthetic Fertilizers

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

*Discuss the four inorganic Nitrogen molecule transformations discussed in class?

17
Q

*Why are most organic Nitrogen molecules not usable by plants?

A

*because the atoms are bound together in an unavailable form

18
Q

What is Mineralization of Nitrogen?

A

is the change in chemical structure from N2 to NO3

19
Q

How is Nitrogen affected by decomposition of Organic Matter?

A

soil microbes need Nitrogen to break down organic matter the Carbon to Nitrogen ratio indicates the amount of nitrogen required to break down the material.

20
Q

What is the carbon to nitrogen ratio of most plants?

A

Greater than 30 to 1

21
Q

What is the final organic product of of the Organic Matter decomposition process?

A

Humus….C to N ratio of 10 to 1

22
Q

Change in soil NO3- and carbon during the decomposition process?

A

Om added soil microbes eat carbon goes up, population of microbes goes up food runs out and microbes die carbon goes down and nitrogen increases

23
Q

Name 3 ways by which producers can increase nitrogen in the soil?

A

Legumes
Organic Fertilizers
Synthetic Fertilizers

24
Q

What percentage of Nitrogen is added through legumes?

natural fertilizers ? synthetic fertilizers?

A

25% legumes
14% natural fertilizers
57% synthetic fertilizers

25
What is the main reason why all of the Nitrogen fixed by legumes doesn't always become available to plants?
*
26
Discuss the agronomic and economic issues surrounding the use of legumes?
Price per acre is low, cash crops are more profitable per acre. agriculturally legumes are extremely beneficial
27
What is the effect of adding Nitrogen to legumes?
legume bacteria stops working
28
Describe the speed at which nitrogen is released by natural nitrogen fertilizers?
The process usually takes 4 to 8 weeks. depending on weather conditions.
29
What factors determine the application rate of manure or sledge?
The source (ie chicken litter) and use
30
How do these factors affected the rates of manure or sludge?
Amount of Nitrogen needed and phosphorous levels of soil
31
Most synthetic fertilizers are derived from what primary fertilizer?
NH3 Anhydrous Ammonia
32
Describe the Habor process and indicate why Nitrogen fertilizers prices are dependent on energy cost?
*
33
Name 3 primary fertilizers and provide one fact about each?
Anhydrous Ammonia - Purest form, Gas Urea- Pellet, Most common used in central Ky, acidify soil Ammonia Nitrate- Heavily regulated acidify soils,
34
Ammonia nitrogen fertilizer factors
acidify the soil volatilize when not incorporated can injure seedlings
35
How does soil CEC affect NH4+ and NO3-?
determines how quickly Nitrogen changes form...NH4+ held longer NO3- not held.
36
What is the overall nitrogen balance on cropland?
more is applied than used
37
Consequences of over application of nitrogen?
nitrates in the water Eutrophication (fish) NO and N2O are pollutants
38
What are some major causes for NO3- losses?
cafo- Confined Animal Feeding Operations high intensity cropland sandy soils