Fertilization Flashcards
Chelate
Chemical compounds that keep plant nutrients (usualy iron [Fe]) soluble and available for plant absorption over a broad range of pH.
Chlorosis
A whitish or yellowish leaf discoloration caused by lack of chlorophyll, often caused by nutrient deficiency.
Drill-hole fertilization
Applying fertilizer by drilling holes in the soil within the root zone.
Drip line
Imaginary boundary on the soil surface defined by the branch spread of a single plant or group of plants
Essential Elements
Minerals essential to the growth and development of trees. These minerals are essential because plants cannot complete their life cycle without them
Fertilizer Analysis
Percentage of Nitrogen (N), phosphoric acid (P205), and soluble potash (K20), and other nutrients in a fertilizer.
Foliar Analysis
Laboratory analysis of the mineral content of foliage
Foliar Application
Applying a fertilizer, pesticide, or other substance directly to the foliage.
Implant
Device, capsule, or pellet inserted into the tree’s xylem/vascular system to treat or prevent disorders.
Inoculants
In soil science, microorganisms(e.g., mycorrhizae fungi) that are introduced into the soil in order to improve growth or plant health.
Inorganic Fertilizer
Mineral fertilizer, not coming from plant or animal sources.
Ions
Atom or a group of atoms with a positive or negative charge.
Leaching
Tendency for elements or compounds to wash down through and/or out of the soil.
Limiting factor
An environmental factor that when absent or in low quantities limits the growth, abundance, or distribution of a plant.
Liquid Injection
Method of injecting liquid formulations of fertilizer into the root zone of a tree.
Macronutrient
Essential elements required by plants in relatively large quantities; in fertilizer, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are the primary elements; compare to micronutrient.
Microinjection
Trunk injection technique used to introduce a relatively large volume of substance directly into the xylem of trees.
Micronutrient
Any of the essential elements required by plants in relatively small quantities: boron (B), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), and zinc (Zn); compare to macronutrient.
Mycorrhizae
Symbiotic association between certain fungi and the absorbing roots of a plant.
Organic Fertilizer
Fertilizer derived from plants or animals.
Osmotic Potential
Difference of solute concentration between two media; the higher the osmotic potential, the greater the water movement between media. The greater the solute (salt) concentration in the soil, the greater the chance that water will move out of the roots.
pH
Unit of measure that describes the alkalinity or acidity of a solution; negative log of the hydrogen ion concentration; measured on a scale from 0 to 14; greater than 7 is alkaline, less than 7 is acidic, and 7 is neutral.
Prescription Fertilizer
Philosophy of basing fertilization recommendations on plant needs as determined by conducting soil and/or foliar nutrient analysis.
Salinity
The amount or percentage of salt in the soil.
Salt index
Osmotic potential ratio of a fertilizer compared to sodium nitrate, based on the relative value of 100; the higher the salt index, the more likely plant damage will occur.
Secondary Nutrients
Mineral elements required in moderate amounts by plants; calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg).
Slow-release Fertilizer
Fertilizer that is at least 50 percent water-insoluble nitrogen (WIN); rate of release may vary depending upon soil moisture and temperature.
Soil Analysis
Analysis of soil to determine pH, mineral composition, texture, structure, salinity, organic matter, and other characteristics.
Subsurface Application
Placement of fertilizer or other material below the soil surface.
Surface Application
Application of a dry or liquid fertilizer to the soil surface, mulch, or ground cover.
Systemic
(1) Substance that moves throughout an organism after it is absorbed. (2) Any condition, disease, disorder, or pest that affects the entire organism.
Volatilization
The conversion from a solid or liquid state to a vapor, or gaseous state. In soils, it may apply to the conversion of nitrogen nitrates to ammonia gas, which is subject to loss to the atmosphere.
Water-insoluble Nitrogen (WIN)
Nitrogen fertilizer in a form that is not readily soluble in water.
