Feb 2019 paper Flashcards

1
Q

what is soil texture?

A

proportions and size of particles found eg: sand,silt, clay

could also describe feel of soil ie: soapy/gritty/smooth

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2
Q

what is soil structure?

A

arrangement of particles into aggregates/crumbs as well as presence of air, water and some om

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3
Q

describe characteristics of fym

A
well rotted to avoid scorching
low in nutrients
apply in bulk
improves water retention
opens up structure
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4
Q

describe characteristics of leaf mould

A

low in nutrients
variable pH-usually acidic
open fibrous structure

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5
Q

describe characteristic’s of spent mushroom compost

A

consists of rotted fym, peat and lime;
Has a high Ph,
decomposes quickly

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6
Q

state the pH range found in soils

A

4-8

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7
Q

why does pH of a soil need to be considered when growing garden plants?

A

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

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8
Q

which mineral is less available in alkaline soils?

A

Iron Fe

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9
Q

what pH does peat have?

A

acidic

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10
Q

what pH does coir have?

A

neutral

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11
Q

what pH does green manure have?

A

acid

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12
Q

what pH does composted bracken have?

A

neutral

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13
Q

what pH does wood ash have?

A

alkaline

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14
Q

what pH does ammonium sulphate have?

A

acidic

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15
Q

what are the benefits of garden irrigation?

A

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

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16
Q

what are the limitations of garden irrigation?

A

surface capping due to delivery of water

leaching of nutrients

overwatering can occur

water may not always be delivered where required

17
Q

what are the benefits of garden drainage systems?

A

reduces water logging

improves drainage of a heavy clay soil

reduces water table if it is high

18
Q

what are the limitations of a garden drainage system?

A

disturbance of soil when installing drainage system

disturbing soil profile may impact plant growth

compaction of soil due to heavy machinery use

19
Q

what are the benefits of the no dig method when improving the root environment?

A

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

20
Q

what are the benefits of cultivation by digging garden soil?

A

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

21
Q

describe three environmental implications of composting garden waste

A

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

22
Q

what is important for making good compost?

A

half the materials should be woody

reduce size of larger materials

compost must be well aerated

23
Q

what are the major plant nutrients that are found in garden compost?

A
nitrogen
phosphorus 
potassium
calcium
magnesium
sulphur
24
Q

stunted growth and chlorosis on older leaves first is a sign of what deficiency?

A

Nitrogen

25
Q

stunted new growth, weak/poor root development, thin stalks and purpleish leaves is a sign of which deficiency?

A

phosphorus

26
Q

poor fruit/flowering, and scorched/curled leaves are a sign of which deficiency?

A

potassium

27
Q

tulip topple, bitter pit, blossom end rot are a sign of which deficiency?

A

calcium

28
Q

inter-venial chlorosis is a sign of which deficiency?

A

magnesium

29
Q

what is the definition of liquid feed?

A

concentrated

needs diluting

apply to soil around base of plant as a drench at intervals during growing season

30
Q

what is the definition of foliar feed?

A

needs diluting
applied directly onto leaves
fast acting
stomata absorb it

31
Q

what is the definition of a slow release fertiliser?

A

slow release means organic

eg: bone meal, fish blood, hoof and horn meal.

slow to release and need watering in so can dissolve over a period of time.

32
Q

what makes a slow release organic fertiliser release nutrients?

A

warmth, moisture, soil micro-orgnisms

33
Q

what is a controlled release fertiliser?

A

Osmocote.
each granule is covered with an organic coating that breaks down when water penetrates it.

the nutrients then dissolve inside the granule and are release slowly when the temp reaches 21’c

34
Q

what are the limitations of using garden soil in containers?

A

soil may contain pests/weed seeds

nutrient content unknown

structure not suitable so slumps-less oxygen then for roots

soil type may not be suitable for plant

soil is heavy if container needed to be moved

35
Q

what are suitable growing mediums for plants in containers excluding soil?

A

coir based
peat based
composted bark based

36
Q

describe characteristics of a coir based compost

A

lightweight
high water retention
good porosity and air content
pH neutral and sustainable

37
Q

describe characteristics of a peat based compost

A
pH level is acidic
naturally sterile
excellent structure
well aerated
high water holding capacity
difficult to re-wet once dried out
38
Q

describe characteristics of a composted bark based compost

A
non-clumping
open/stable structure
well aerated
low water holding capacity
variable pH