FINAL Flashcards
Plants take up potassium in what form?
K+
Name the forms of potassium commonly found in soils.
- Mineral
- Non-exchangeable
- Exchangeable
- Solution (taken up by plants)
What are the relative amounts of potassium found in soil?
Least to greatest plant availability…
Mineral: 90 - 98% (5,000 - 25,000 ppm)
Non-exchangeable: 1 - 3% (50 - 750 ppm)
Exchangeable / Solution: 0.2 - 2% (40 - 600 ppm … 1 - 10 ppm)
Pssst! % = ppm / 10,000 !
Draw the K cycle!
Doodle time.
Discuss K fixation.
- Micas (CEC=0 cmolc/kg) release K when introduced to water / weathering…
- As this process continues, illite (CEC=30-50 cmolc/kg) begins to form. Particles become smaller and more K+ is released.
- Soil ‘degrades’ into vermiculite (CEC=150 cmolc/kg) with much more available K+ than before.
In what clays does K fixation occur?
micas, vermiculite
In which soil situations can K leaching be a concern?
Only sandy soils.
What are the basic functions of K in a plant?
NOT a component of biological compounds!
Function related to ionic strength in cells… regulation of turgor pressure
What is the relationship between K and stomates?
K provides osmotic ‘pull’… opens stomates with influx of K.
What is the K content in plant tissue (dry matter basis)?
1 - 3%
Define organic fertilizer.
With C
Define inorganic fertilizer.
Without C.
Define soluble fertilizer.
Readily available for plant use.
Define slow release fertilizer.
Nutrients metered out over time…
two types!
- physically slow-release
- chemically slow-release
What’s the difference between chemically-slow and physically-slow release fertilizers?
Chemical composition ‘resists’ degradation.
Physical coatings prevent excessive solution.
Define guaranteed analysis.
% nutrient content and source of said nutrients.
This MUST be on the product to be considered a fertilizer (AL state law).
Discuss the Haber-Bosch process… what is produced? from what?
#
Formula / nutrient content of ammonium sulfate?
(NH4)2SO4 … 21-0-0
sometimes reported as 21-0-0-24(S)
Formula / nutrient content of ammonium nitrate?
NH4NO3
… 34-0-0
Nutrient content of UAN?
urea ammonium nitrate
… 28~32-0-0
Formula / nutrient content of DAP?
diammonium phosphate – (NH4)2HPO4
… 18-46-0
Formula / nutrient content of MAP?
monoammonium phosphate – NH4H2PO4
… 11-52-0
Formula / nutrient content of urea?
CO(NH2)2
… 46-0-0
What is the most widely used N source in the world?
Urea! (NH4+ / NH4- forming)
What are biurets and why do we care?
Chain of NH2-CO-NH2-CO… etc. Phytotoxic byproducts from manufacture of urea.
Citrus is sensitive, but generally not an issue with most crops(1.5 - 2% okay).
Physical state of UAN?
Liquid.
Physical state of anhydrous ammonia when transported?
Liquid only under pressure.
How is anhydrous ammonia applied?
Applied to surface as a gas… knifed in. Slits must close or gas escapes.
What are some safety issues with anhydrous ammonia?
Very irritating to lungs, eyes, skin. Can blow up. Used in meth manufacture.
Formula / nutrient content of anhydrous ammonia?
82-0-0 … highest N content of any fertilizer!
What is aqua ammonia?
NH3 in H2O
Usually locally made (too heavy to transport due to water content)
Where are ammonium chloride and ammonium bicarbonate used more?
Asia, esp. China
UF / MU stands for…
urea formaldehyde … shorter chain, faster release
methylene urea … longer chain, slower release
What makes UF / MU slow release?
chemically slow release … longer chains take longer to degrade!
How is N availability controlled in UF / MU?
Microbial activity