Feb 2019 paper Flashcards
what is soil texture?
proportions and size of particles found eg: sand,silt, clay
could also describe feel of soil ie: soapy/gritty/smooth
what is soil structure?
arrangement of particles into aggregates/crumbs as well as presence of air, water and some om
describe characteristics of fym
well rotted to avoid scorching low in nutrients apply in bulk improves water retention opens up structure
describe characteristics of leaf mould
low in nutrients
variable pH-usually acidic
open fibrous structure
describe characteristic’s of spent mushroom compost
consists of rotted fym, peat and lime;
Has a high Ph,
decomposes quickly
state the pH range found in soils
4-8
why does pH of a soil need to be considered when growing garden plants?
plants may require different growing conditions-calcicoles/calcifuges
availability of nutrients in soil depends on pH
soil micro-organisms are less active in low pH (acidic)
certain diseases more prevalent in low ph-club root in brassicas
which mineral is less available in alkaline soils?
Iron Fe
what pH does peat have?
acidic
what pH does coir have?
neutral
what pH does green manure have?
acid
what pH does composted bracken have?
neutral
what pH does wood ash have?
alkaline
what pH does ammonium sulphate have?
acidic
what are the benefits of garden irrigation?
consistent watering process
larger areas of plants watered more effectively
automated times can control amount of water
regular watering system to benefit plant growth/root development
what are the limitations of garden irrigation?
surface capping due to delivery of water
leaching of nutrients
overwatering can occur
water may not always be delivered where required
what are the benefits of garden drainage systems?
reduces water logging
improves drainage of a heavy clay soil
reduces water table if it is high
what are the limitations of a garden drainage system?
disturbance of soil when installing drainage system
disturbing soil profile may impact plant growth
compaction of soil due to heavy machinery use
what are the benefits of the no dig method when improving the root environment?
soil is left undisturbed so doesn’t disturb micro-organisms
no soil compaction from heavy machinery
soil not stood on so structure isn’t damaged
soil pans avoided as we are not digging to same depth repeatedly
avoids weeds seeds being brought to surface which reduces competition for nutrients/light
what are the benefits of cultivation by digging garden soil?
soil pans can be broken up
om can be incorporated-which improves soil structure
digging aerates soil, improves drainage and exposes pests to predators
weeds can be removed by hand of buried in soil
describe three environmental implications of composting garden waste
no need to take waste to landfill sites
recycling/reusing reduces need to purchase feriliser/growing medium
hot composting kills weeds/ and weed seeds
soil micro-organisms thrive in composting process which benefits garden soil
what is important for making good compost?
half the materials should be woody
reduce size of larger materials
compost must be well aerated
what are the major plant nutrients that are found in garden compost?
nitrogen phosphorus potassium calcium magnesium sulphur
stunted growth and chlorosis on older leaves first is a sign of what deficiency?
Nitrogen
