Agronomy L.3

Soil Organic Matter

A mixture of organic compounds, including plant and animal residues, that improves soil fertility and structure.

Abiotic Substances

Non-living chemical and physical parts of the environment that affect living organisms.

Ecosystem

A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.

Nutrient Recycling

The process by which nutrients are reused in the ecosystem, particularly in agriculture.

High Input Agriculture

Farming system that relies on high levels of chemical inputs like fertilizers and pesticides.

Ecosystem Interaction

The interplay between different components of the ecosystem, such as biotic and abiotic factors.

Environmental Factors

Elements that influence the environment, including climate, soil properties, and topography.

Ecological Amplitude of Species

The range of environmental conditions in which a species can survive and reproduce.

Eurythermal

Species capable of surviving in a wide range of temperature conditions.

Stenothermal

Species that thrive within a narrow range of temperature conditions.

Shelford’s Law of Tolerance

The principle stating that the distribution of a species is limited by its tolerance to environmental conditions.

Limiting Factors

Environmental conditions that restrict the growth and survival of organisms.

Competition

The interaction between organisms that vie for the same resources in a habitat.

Predation

The biological interaction where one organism captures and feeds on another.

Anthropogenic Factor

Environmental changes caused or influenced by human activity.

Physical Requirements

The necessary environmental conditions for the growth and survival of organisms.

Linear Thinking

High production, high input, high output. Results in small nutrient flow.

Sources of Nutrient Loss

Natural loss, purchased mineral fertilizers, grain and straw sold, nutrients in other purchased products

Climate, Soil properties, Topography, Biotic and Anthropogenic Factors

Four major factors influencing crop growth

light, temperature, rainfall, and wind

Climate factors

Physical, chemical, and biological properties

Soil porperties

Altitude, relief, slopes

Topography

Influence from animals, plants, and human activities

Biotic and anthropogenic factors

Relative limits of tolerance

how species respond to extremes in temperature