Test 2

Question 1

cropping systems definition

Answer 1

crops and crop sequences and the management techniques used on a particular field over a period of years

Question 2

cropping systems importance

Answer 2

farm management, productivity, and net return

Question 3

5 types of cropping systems

Answer 3

1. double cropping
2. intercropping
3. monocropping
4. relay intercropping
5. strip cropping

Question 4

double cropping

Answer 4

planting a second crop right after harvesting the first one

Question 5

intercropping

Answer 5

two or more crops in one field at the same time

Question 6

monocropping

Answer 6

one crop in a field at one time; can also be continuous cropping

Question 7

relay intercropping

Answer 7

different crops are planted at different times in the same field; both crops spend at least part of the season living together in the field (ex. dropping cover crop seed into soybeans)

Question 8

strip cropping

Answer 8

two or more crops in the same field, planted in strips (width varying)

Question 9

factors influencing the selection of a cropping system

Answer 9

climate, topography, soil, strip till for corn to reduce weed and pest problems, cost, labor, nutrient availability, pest pressure

Question 10

5-7 advantages of crop rotation

Answer 10

helps break pest cycles, better for soil health, legumes supply nitrogen, fewer pest problems, yield increase, spreads out labor needs, reduce financial risk

Question 11

three main tillage systems

Answer 11

conventional, reduced/conservation, no-till

Question 12

conventional (full) tillage

Answer 12

10% or less residue on surface

Question 13

reduced / conservation tillage

Answer 13

11-90% residue on surface

Question 14

no-till

Answer 14

100% residue on surface

Question 15

5 advantages of conventional tillage

Answer 15

1) turn under residue
2) incorporate chemicals and fertilizers
3) restoring pastures
4) improve fertility
5) breaks up compaction

Question 16

4 disadvantages of conventional tillage

Answer 16

1) evaporation of soil moisture
2) compaction and plow hardpan
3) compromises biodiversity
4) requires more fuel and labor

Question 17

3 methods of conservation tillage

Answer 17

1) strip-till
2) ridge-till
3) mulch-till

Question 18

strip-till

Answer 18

tillage in strips where the seed furrow will be

Question 19

ridge-till

Answer 19

ridges or raised beds where the crop is planted on the top of the ridge

Question 20

mulch-till

Answer 20

mixing crop residues in the soil while still leaving some on the surface (includes chisel plows, disks, etc.)

Question 21

5 advantages of conservation tillage

Answer 21

1) conserve moisture, nutrients, OM, and soil health
2) increase microbial life
3) helps with erosion and water infiltration
4) less trips across the field
5) helps maintain soil structure

Question 22

3 disadvantages of conservation tillage

Answer 22

1) cold soil temperature
2) potentially more pest issues
3) more pests = more cost

Question 23

5 advantages of no-till

Answer 23

1) potentially increase yield
2) more biological activity
3) better moisture infiltration
4) less machine traffic and compaction
5) helps keep soil cool

Question 24

3 disadvantages of no-till

Answer 24

1) can be hard on equipment
2) ponding and anaerobic conditions
3) weed control through herbicides

Question 25

anaerobic conditions

Answer 25

no oxygen in the soil

Question 26

plant and soil conservation practices

Answer 26

terraces, cover crops, no-till, CRP

Question 27

the role of conservation in tillage

Answer 27

disturbs soil less, soil moisture management

Question 28

irrigation system definition

Answer 28

getting water fed to plants

Question 29

irrigation importance

Answer 29

helps meet the water requirements of cash and turf crops

Question 30

soil moisture

Answer 30

available water, field capacity, permanent wilting point

Question 31

available water holding capacity

Answer 31

water available for plants to use; point between FC and PWP

Question 32

field capacity

Answer 32

max amount of water in the soil

Question 33

permanent wilting point

Answer 33

plants die of thirst; minimum amount of water in the soil

Question 34

environmental factors affecting irrigation in agricultural systems

Answer 34

soil, climate, crop type, crop development, wind

Question 35

irrigation scheduling

Answer 35

using a selected water management strategy to prevent the over-application of water while maximizing net return

Question 36

lab #6 formula

Answer 36

Q x t = d x A
(flow rate x time = depth of water applied x area irrigated)