Soil Fertility Evaluation Notes

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to soil fertility evaluation and its implications on crop productivity.

What is soil fertility?

The inherent capacity of the soil to provide nutrients to plants in the right amount and correct proportions.

What is soil productivity?

The capability of a soil for producing plants under a specified system of management.

What are the primary measurements of soil fertility and productivity?

Soil fertility is measured by the amount of chemical elements required for plant growth; productivity is measured by the yield of the crop per unit area of land.

What is the difference between fertile and infertile soils in terms of pH?

Fertile soils are slightly acid to neutral pH, while infertile soils have acid to strongly acid pH.

What are some factors affecting crop yield potential?

Factors include climate (e.g., precipitation, temperature), soil factors (e.g., texture, structure), crop factors (e.g., species, variety), and management practices.

What are symptoms of nitrogen deficiency in plants?

Chlorosis, stunted growth, reduced cob size, and early maturation with low grain quality.

What visual symptoms indicate phosphorus deficiency?

Dark green to purple coloration and poor root growth.

What are common symptoms of potassium deficiency?

Firing or scorching of leaf margins, brown spots, and sesame spots.

Define 'hidden hunger' in plants.

A term used to describe a plant that shows no obvious deficiency symptoms, yet the nutrient content is insufficient for maximum yield.

What is the purpose of soil testing before planting or fertilizing crops?

To estimate the nutrient supplying capacity of the soil and provide recommendations for nutrient management.

List one advantage and one disadvantage of visual nutrient deficiency symptoms.

Advantage: Rapid and does not require expensive equipment. Disadvantage: Symptoms may be caused by deficiencies of several nutrients.

What does the biological test for soil fertility involve?

Planting crops in the soil and monitoring growth and yield performance to assess nutrient sufficiency.

What is the purpose of plant tissue analysis?

To indicate the nutrient content in plants and diagnose deficiencies.

How often should soil testing be done?

Soil testing should be done every 4 years.

What is one method used for soil chemical analysis?

Potentiometric method for measuring pH.

What are critical nutrient ranges for 'Cabbage'?

N: 3.6-5%, P: 0.33-0.7%, K: 5%, Ca: 3-5%, Mg: 1.1-3%, S: 0.4-0.75%.

What factors affect essential nutrient element concentration in plants?

Soil physical factors, soil chemical factors, crop factors, treatment factors, weather factors, and pest factors.