Soils for plant growth Flashcards
What are the three major nutrients needed by plants
NPK
What happens to the soil pH when you add limestone to the land?
Limestone is alkaline , so it increases the pH of the soil.
What is loamy soil?
Soil that is mixture of sand, silt and clay, combining the best properties of each.
What is soil organic content?
Organic content of the soil is a combination of living organisms and their dead remains.
Name the different types of farming
Arable, Pastoral and Mixed
Differentiate Extensive Vs Intensive farming
Farming that is spread over a wide area and uses less resources per metre of land is Extensive.
Farming that aims to maximise the yield from an area using a large amount of resources is Intensive farming.
Name the techniques used to improve crop yields.
Crop rotation, Ferilisers, Irrigation,
Name the types of irrigation used in agriculture.
Overhead sprinkler system, Claypot systems, Trickle drip systems, flood irrigation
What are the different methods used to improve crop performance?
Selective breeding, GMO.
What is growing blueprint? Explain this in the context of a green house.
the growing requirements of a crop throughout its life, which a grower can use to maximise the yield.
How is eutrophication caused?
A sequence of events starting with enrichment of water nutrients or organic matter that leads to a reduction in oxygen levels in the water and death of fish and other aquatic species.
What is desertification?
the process by which fertile land becomes desert
What are the different farming techniques used to reduce soil erosion?
Terrace farming, Contour ploughing, Bunds - To reduce erosion by water
Windbreaks - To reduce erosion by wind
Inter-cropping - In addition to preventing soil erosion, what other benefits does it provide?
Maximise the use of space and other resources in the field, more profit to the farmer.
Describe three ways farmers can improve the efficiency of their water use.
Clay pot or drip irrigation
Rainwater harvesting
Use of mulches to reduce evaporation
Use of more dough resistant crops
