Soil Science and Plant Nutrition Flashcards
The unconsolidated mineral or organic matter on the immediate surface of the earth that serves as the natural medium for the growth of land plants
soil
Distinct layers in a vertical arrangement soil profile. Examples include O (organic litter layer), A (topsoil), B (subsoil).
soil horizon
It is determined by the relative amount (percentage) of the mineral particles of sand, silt, and clay.
soil texture
The arrangement of soil particles into clusters or aggregates called peds
soil structure
Elements required for proper plant growth and reproduction.
macronutrients and micronutrients are
The movement of ions between charged clay and humus and the water in the soil. This forms the basis for plant uptake of nutrients and soil fertility management.
ion exchange
An important component of soil that is composed of previously living plants, animals, or materials synthesized or secreted by them. It plays a key role in water and nutrient relationships between soil and plants.
organic matter
The process of microbes converting the nitrogen from the atmosphere to a form usable by plants. It is often carried out by bacteria in an association with specific plants called legumes.
nitrogen fixation
The area of soil immediately surrounding the root system where numerous plant-microbe interactions take place.
rhizosphere
Name three common aspects of soil that will guide the discussion in this chapter.
A. Sand, silt, and clay
B. Physical, biological, chemical
C. Organic, inorganic, natural
D. Solid, liquid, gas
B.
Soil texture is determined by
A. the relative amounts of sand, silt, and clay
B. landscape position, rate of replenishment, and topography
C. Crop residues, manure cover, and soil slope
D. The pH level of the soil
A.
List some key characteristics of sandy textural groups
feels gritty, will not form a ribbon, a ball will easily fall apart when handled
List some key characterizes of loamy textural groups
forms a short ribbon that breaks easily, sticky when wet, no shiny surface when smoothed
List some key characteristics of clay textural groups
easily forms a ribbon, leaves a shiny surface when smoothed, very sticky when wet
What would be a common type of soil structure found in Tennessee?
granular
Would you expect soils to be deeper on a hilltop or hillside? Why?
Hilltop because slopes lose soil with erosion
Would you expect more clear soil horizons on a hilltop or a floodplain? Why?
Hilltop because floodplain soils developed through recent stream action
What two components of soil provide charges that support the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of soil?
Clay and humus
Plants need 17 nutrient elements for optimum growth and productivity. Name the 3 that are obtained from air and water.
Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen
What are the three primary nutrients required in larger amounts by plants?
A. nitrogen, phosphorus, manganese
B. nitrogen, potassium, calcium
C. nitrogen, zinc, nickel
D. nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium
D.
What are some reasons why a soil might have a low (acidic) pH?
the soil’s parent material is acidic, exposure to acid rain, rainfall leached away soluble soil calcium
What is the term for nitrogen that can be lost (not available for plant uptake) to the environment typically under high rainfall?
A. Leaching
B. Volatilization
C. Mineralization
D. Incorporation
A.
What is one nutrient that is known to be more available to plants with mycorrhizal associations?
A. Boron
B. Potassium
C. Calcium
D. Phosphorus
D.
Your plant could be deficient in what nutrient(s) if the leaves are yellowing from the bottom up? Is that nutrient mobile or immobile in plants?
calcium, mobile; magnesium, mobile
Name 3 important roles of soil pores
affects access to water and nutrients by the roots; influences environmental factors including runoff, water infiltration, and water holding; supports living organisms in the soil
Your plant could be deficient in what nutrient(s) if there is chlorosis (yellowing) between the veins of the young leaves? That nutrient mobile or immobile in plants?
iron, immobile; manganese, immobile
