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Ag Science > Soil management and fertility > Flashcards

Soil management and fertility Flashcards

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1
Q

Macronutrients

A

Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur

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2
Q

Micronutrients

A

Iron, zinc, manganese, copper, boron, chlorine, nickel.

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3
Q

Lodging

A

The tendency of cereal crops to bend over so that they lie almost flat on the ground. This makes it difficult to harvest the crop and reduces the yield.

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4
Q

Soil testing

A

Allows the farmers to determine the nutrients available on their land and determine how suitable an area is for crop growth. Carried out every 2/3 years.

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5
Q

Soil Index System

A

Ranks a soil by its fertility level and its likely response to fertiliser application.

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6
Q

Fertiliser

A

An inorganic, manufactured material that may contain one or more of the essential elements required for crop growth.

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7
Q

Manures

A

An organic material that consists of the wastes of plants and animals.

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8
Q

Straight (simple) fertiliser

A

Contains only one of the essential elements
CAN & Urea

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9
Q

Compound fertiliser

A

Any fertiliser that contains two or more elements. Combining 2 or more straight fertilizers.
Adv; Only one fertiliser may be used provides all nutrients required by crop.

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10
Q

Volatilisation

A

A process in which the ammonium ions produced are converted to ammonia gas, which is then lost to the atmosphere.

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11
Q

Broadcasting

A

Spreading fertiliser on a soil using a fertiliser spreader and harrowed into the soil

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12
Q

Top –dressing

A

Fertiliser is spread on the established crop

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13
Q

Farmyard
Manure

A

Consists of animal dung, animal urine and straw from winter bedding

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14
Q

Slurry

A

Is a liquid manure that contains animal dung and urine

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15
Q

Agitation

A

Rapid stirring of a liquid

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16
Q

Poaching

A

Damage caused to wet or waterlogged land where land is cut up by livestock movement on wet soils. It causes surface vegetation to be removed and soil to be washed away. Soil may be also compacted.

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17
Q

Deficiency

A

Not enough of a nutrient for plants to perform their function.

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18
Q

Chlorosis

A

Yellowing as a result as a lack of chlorophyll

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19
Q

necrosis

A

The death of cells in a tissue

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20
Q

Most important elements macro

A

Nitrogen
Phosphorus
Potassium

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21
Q

Nitrogen

A
  • Mainly absorbed in the form of nitrates
  • Plant and animal life cannot exist without it
  • Component of:
    Chlorophyll (needed for photosynthesis)
    Amino Acids (needed to create protein)
    DNA (responsible for growth & reproduction in plants)
    ATP (compound responsible for control of metabolic energy)
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22
Q

Nitrogen

A
  • MACRO
  • Mainly absorbed in the form of nitrates
  • Plant and animal life cannot exist without it
  • Component of:
    Chlorophyll (needed for photosynthesis)
    Amino Acids (needed to create protein)
    DNA (responsible for growth & reproduction in plants)
    ATP (compound responsible for control of metabolic energy)
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23
Q

Features of sufficient and deficient nitrogen

A

SUFFICIENT NITROGEN:
- Rapid plant growth
- Dark green vegetation
- High protein count in seeds

DEFICIENT NITROGEN:
- Slow growth, small plants
- Pale green or yellow- lack of chlorophyll (chlorosis)
- Necrosis as N is used up by younger leaves

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24
Q

Phosphorus

A

MACRO
- It is soluble in water and is taken up by plants in its soluble form.
- Very sensitive to pH
- However at pH levels below 5 and above 7.5, phosphorus forms compounds that are insoluble to water and unavailable to plants.
- This is known as the immobilisation of phosphorus

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25
Q

Phosphorus

A
  • MACRO
  • It is soluble in water and is taken up by plants in its soluble form.
  • Very sensitive to pH
  • However at pH levels below 5 and above 7.5, phosphorus forms compounds that are insoluble to water and unavailable to plants.
  • This is known as the immobilisation of phosphorus
26
Q

Functions of Phosphorus

A
  • Too much phosphorus can have negative effects, reduces ability of plants to absorb micronutrients
    Functions:
  • Root growth
  • Reproduction
  • Flower and seed formation
27
Q

Functions of Phosphorus

A
  • Too much phosphorus can have negative effects, reduces ability of plants to absorb micronutrients
    Functions:
  • Root growth
  • Reproduction
  • Flower and seed formation
28
Q

Sufficient and deficient phosphorus

A

SUFFICIENT P:
- vigorous growth, early maturing, increased resistance to plant disease, improved flower formation, increased stalk/stem strength.

DEFICIENT P:
stunted growth, lack of fruit or flowers, wilting , discoloured blue-purple leaves, delayed maturity

29
Q

Potassium

A
  • Too much potassium reduces the ability to absorb nitrogen and some micronutrients.
    Functions:
  • Translocation of carbohydrates
  • Promotion of disease resistance
  • Regulation of plant stomata and water use
  • Protein formation
30
Q

Sufficient Potassium & Deficiency

A

SUFFICIENT POTASSIUM:
Increased crop yields

DEFICIENCY POTASSIUM:
Reduced crop yield, scorching of leaves (chlorosis) along leaf margins, sloth growth, poorly developed root system, weak stalks, leading to lodging in cereal.

31
Q

Swayback ??

A

In lambs and sheep, copper
deficiency.

32
Q

How to soil test?

A
  • Divide area being sampled into sections of 2-4 ha in size.
  • Take 20 samples using a soil auger in a W shape across the field.
  • Samples should be 10cm in depth.
  • Avoid taking samples from around gateways, near troughs, etc.
  • Do not take samples for P & K for at least 3 months after lat P and K application.
  • Do not sample for lime for at least 2 years after the last application.
  • Samples from the same field should be stored together and sent to Teagasc for analysing.
33
Q

Analysing results

A

1 - Very low , Definite response to fertilisers
2 - Low , likely response to fertilisers
3- Medium, Unlikely/tenuous response
4 - Sufficient/excess, no response

34
Q

CAN

A

Calcium Ammonium Nitrate
- most widely used straight fertiliser in Ireland
- 27% nitrogen in Ammonium ions and Nitrates.
- Ammonium ions are acidic and lower the soil pH but the calcium prevents pH levels From becoming too acidic.
Fast acting fertiliser

35
Q

How does CAN work?

A
  • Nitrate in CAN immediately available for uptake by crops.
  • Ammonia ions are slower acting as they must first be converted to nitrates for uptake.
  • N available in soil on long-term basis.
  • CAN is hygroscopic
36
Q

Hygroscopic

A

A substance that can absorb moisture from the atmosphere.

37
Q

Urea

A

46% Nitrogen
- Reduces costs and labour.
- Slower acting fertiliser.
- Must be converted a number of times before it becomes available for plants.
- Under goes volatilisation and is also hygroscopic.

38
Q

Volatilisation

A

A process where the ammonium ions are converted to ammonia gas, which is then lost to the atmosphere.

39
Q

When does volatilisation occur ?
How to prevent?

A
  • Occurs in warm dry weather
  • Wasteful as ammonia lost to environment and not used for crop growth.
  • High level of ammonia gas in the atmosphere will cause toxicity in germinating seedlings.
  • Can be avoided by spreading fertiliser when rain is due and soil is moist.
40
Q

Advantages of Manures

A
  • Cheap, cost effective way of recycling waste on a farm.
  • Reduces the need to purchase artificial fertilisers.
  • adds organic matter (humus) to the soil, improving soil fertility and structure.
41
Q

FYM

A
  • Consists of animal dung and urine and straw from winter bedding.
  • Stored on a concrete slab or manure pit.
  • Nutrient level, quite low
  • High levels of organic matter added to the soil which helps maintain soil structure.
  • Can be applied to land with a much spreader.
42
Q

Slurry info

A
  • Liquid manure containing animal dung and urine.
  • Collected in a tank underneath the floor in the slatted house.
  • High in nitrogen.
  • Less organic matter than FYM (no straw present)
  • Fast growth response as it absorbs quicker (liquid)
  • Spread via slurry spreader
43
Q

When to spread slurry

A

Only spread within certain dates depending on location.
- Should not be spread close to watercourse or on waterlogged soil or when heavy rain is forecast.

44
Q

Slurry agitation

A
  • Digested anaerobically by bacteria while it is in storage.
  • Toxic gases produced ; Hydrogen sulphide, Ammonia, Methane and CO2.
  • Before spreading, slurry is agitated to give it uniform consistency.
  • Breaks top crust on surface & release toxic gases.
45
Q

Health and safety risks of slurry

A

Slurry releases toxic gases such as hydrogen sulphide and methane when agitated,
Proper ventilation is necessary when agitating slurry.
Slurry tanks should have barriers or fencing to prevent humans or livestock falling in and drowning.

46
Q

Precautions when agitating slurry

A
  • Livestock and people should not be present in slatted shed during agitation.
  • doors open in sheds and agitate on a windy day to maximise ventilation.
  • 2 persons should be present.
  • People entering the shed should wear breathing apparatus.
47
Q

Straw/ stubble

A

Green manure by product of crop production.
- straw/stubble remains in the field after harvesting cereals.
- It is ploughed back into soil providing organic matter which improves soil structure.

47
Q

Straw/ stubble

A

Green manure by product of crop production.
- straw/stubble remains in the field after harvesting cereals.
- It is ploughed back into soil providing organic matter which improves soil structure.

48
Q

Storing and handing manure and fertiliser.

A
  • Fertilisers should be stored in a clean area with temperatures between 5°C and 30°C.
  • Stacks should be stable.
  • Fertilisers should be protected from moisture as this can cause lumps to form.
  • Fertilisers should be kept separate from other chemicals and from other incompatible fertilisers.
  • Should not be stored closed to waterways.
  • Gloves should be worn when handling fertilisers.
49
Q

Storage of organic waste and effluent

A
  • FYM, slurry and any organic waste must be stored correctly until it can be used/disposed of safely.
  • Silage pits and dung-stead should be maintained over winter months to ensure no run-off or seepage is occurring.
  • Strong concrete foundation will help prevent seepage.
50
Q

Factors affecting soil drainage

A

Soil type- Clay (has smaller pores) VS high sand content (larger pores) , sand has better drainage.

  • Percolation : amount of water that drains through the soil.
  • Precipitation: higher levels in parts of Ireland.

Groundwater- Water table below surface and its at point that soil is saturated with water.

51
Q

Factors affecting soil drainage

A

Soil type- Clay (has smaller pores) VS high sand content (larger pores) , sand has better drainage.

  • Percolation : amount of water that drains through the soil.
  • Precipitation: higher levels in parts of Ireland.

Groundwater- Water table below surface and its at point that soil is saturated with water.

52
Q

Drainage systems

A

GROUNDWATER: Uses a series of underground pipes which collect water from the permeable layer of soil and transport it to outfall

SHALLOW WATER: Used where there is little permeability of the soil at any level, objective is to improve the drainage capacity by using a subsoiler or through mole drainage using a mole plough.

53
Q

benefits of soil drainage

A

Less poaching of land by livestock.
- Extended grazing season
- Increased crop yields
- Greater window of opportunity available for tillage operations on well drained land.
- Less reliant on winter fodder.

54
Q

benefits of soil drainage

A

Less poaching of land by livestock.
- Extended grazing season
- Increased crop yields
- Greater window of opportunity available for tillage operations on well drained land.
- Less reliant on winter fodder.

55
Q

Consequences of water logged soils

A
  • Increases presence of weeds and parasites.
  • Leads to compaction and damaged soil.
  • Reduced yield.
  • cause nutrient leaching
  • Waterlogged areas can lead to a build up of mud snails which are a secondary host in the lifecycle of liverfluke. Improving drainage is one way to reduce liver fluke on a farm.
    Introduction of ducks and geese can also control mud snails on the farm
56
Q

Consequences of water logged soils

A
  • Increases presence of weeds and parasites.
  • Leads to compaction and damaged soil.
  • Reduced yield.
  • cause nutrient leaching
  • Waterlogged areas can lead to a build up of mud snails which are a secondary host in the lifecycle of liverfluke. Improving drainage is one way to reduce liver fluke on a farm.
    Introduction of ducks and geese can also control mud snails on the farm
57
Q

Impacts of larger animals on soil

A
  • Cause compaction
  • Provide natural fertiliser
58
Q

Impacts of soil organisms on soil

A

Breakdown organic material into stable organic matter.
Improve soil structure
mix organic matter through the soil.
Control pathogen populations.

58
Q

Impacts of soil organisms on soil

A

Breakdown organic material into stable organic matter.
Improve soil structure
mix organic matter through the soil.
Control pathogen populations.

59
Q

Sustainability

A

Key to sustaining soil health and fertility which allows productive plants to grow.
Soil testing ensures fertilisers can be applied to maintain soil fertility without having excess which leads to leaching.
- minimum cultivation practices can encourage earthworm populations.
SOM maintained to maximise carbon sequestration
- FYM adds to SOM and catch crops prevent soil erosion.

60
Q

The nitrates directive

A

Is to protect water watercourses from contamination of nitrates it provides rules for spreading fertilisers and manures.

Ag Science (12 decks)

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