Basics of Soil Fertility

These flashcards cover key terms related to soil fertility and plant productivity, including definitions of essential concepts, laws governing nutrient behavior, and classifications of nutrients.

Soil health

The state of soil concerning its ability to provide essential nutrients for plant growth.

Soil fertility

The ability of soil to provide nutrients to crops.

Soil productivity

The ability of soil to support the growth of crops.

Nutrient

Essential substance required for plant growth.

pH

A measure of how acidic or basic a substance is; affects nutrient availability in soil.

Law of Minimum

Growth is determined by the nutrient present in the least amount.

Law of Diminishing Return

Once the limiting factor is identified, increasing its supply will enhance plant growth and yield until it is no longer limiting.

Cation exchange capacity

The ability of soil to hold and exchange cations (positively charged ions), important for nutrient availability.

Organic matter

Decomposed plant and animal residues that enhance soil fertility and health.

Essential nutrients

Nutrients required for plant growth, classified into macronutrients and micronutrients.

Deficient nutrient

A nutrient level that is low enough to severely limit crop yield.

Critical range

The nutrient concentration below which addition can affect plant yield.

Sufficient nutrient

Nutrient concentration where additional supply does not affect yield.

Excessive nutrient

Nutrient level which is high enough to reduce yield or growth.

Macro-nutrients

Nutrients required in larger quantities: N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S.

Micro-nutrients

Nutrients required in smaller quantities: Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, B, Mo, Cl, Ni.

Soil sampling

The process of collecting soil data to assess fertility and plan fertilizer application.

Fertilizer efficiency

The effectiveness of fertilizer in promoting plant growth.

Luxuary consumption

The uptake of nutrients in excess of the immediate needs of the plant.

Steenberg effect

A phenomenon where excess nutrient concentration can lead to reduced plant growth.

Phosphate

A form of phosphorus that is crucial for energy transfer in plants.

Potash

A potassium-rich salt used as a fertilizer.

Soil moisture

The amount of water contained in soil, crucial for crop productivity.

Vegetative growth

The phase of plant development focused on leaf, stem, and root formation.