Soil Fertility, Nutrients, and Erosion: Key Concepts for Agriculture

Is the availability of most nutrients in acidic soil reduced?

True

Is nitrogen a mobile element in plants?

True

Is nitrogen deficiency observed first in younger leaves?

False

How is soil fertility primarily improved?

Through the application of fertilizers and lime.

Can soil analysis indicate the availability of nutrients for plants?

True

What does plant analysis show?

How much nutrient is required.

According to the law of diminishing returns, does the yield become greater with each additional application of nitrogen?

False

Are nitrogen fertilizers applied in a split during the growing season?

True

Does the level and timing of nitrogen fertilizer application depend on the crop species?

True

Does drought limit the effectiveness of fertilizer?

True

Is application of nitrogen fertilizer recommended if the legume in mixed cropping with grass is more than 30%?

False

What should be promoted to improve soil fertility?

Practices that enhance nutrient gains.

Can the optimal amount of nutrients for achieving higher yields be determined through growing plants under different nutrient levels?

True

Is fertilizer application required under natural conditions where plant biomass is not harvested?

False

Do harvested portions of crops remove nutrients from the soil?

True

Does applying fertilizers to fertile soil result in increased crop yields and profits?

True

Should marginal and poor soils be amended before applying fertilizers?

True

What is soil erosion?

The movement of soil materials from one location to another.

What are the two steps of the soil erosion process?

Detachment and transport of soil particles.

Should soil erosion control measures focus on reducing detachment and transport of soil particles?

True

Are soils composed of fine particles susceptible to wind erosion?

True

Are bare soils with little vegetation cover susceptible to wind erosion?

False

Is soil chemistry a key indicator of soil health?

False

What are some soil chemical properties?

Cation exchange capacity, pH, and soil texture.

Can excessive fertilizer application injure crops and the environment?

True

Where should samples for soil analysis be collected from?

The root zone.

What is the primary composition of a growing plant body?

Water.

Which one of the following is an essential life function of plants?

All the above.

What defines an essential element for plants?

It has a known physiological role and plants cannot complete their life cycle without it.

How are essential elements classified based on the amount required by plants?

Micronutrients and macronutrients.

Which one of the following is not a micronutrient?

Nitrogen.

What does the availability of plant nutrient elements in the soil depend on?

Soil pH, moisture, and temperature.

What can increase soil pH and improve the availability of nutrients?

Lime.

What are major sources of nitrogen for plants?

Fertilizers, animal manures, and biological nitrogen fixation.

What is soil fertility?

The capacity of the soil to provide nutrients for plant growth.

What is conducted to determine the level of nutrients and assess whether fertilizer application is necessary?

Soil analysis.

When is the application of fertilizer justified?

If it can increase crop yield, livestock production, or produce quality.

What are the advantages of split nitrogen applications?

Minimize the risk of fertilizer burns, ensure availability of N, and avoid loss of nitrogen.

What is the most limiting nutrient in plant production?

Nitrogen.

How does soil gain fertility?

Through biological nitrogen fixation, decomposition of organic matter, and application of manure, compost, and fertilizers.

How does soil lose fertility?

Through harvesting, soil erosion, and leaching of nutrients.

What is true about plant micronutrients?

They are needed in very small amounts and can be toxic if levels are too high.

What are the primary agents responsible for soil erosion?

Water and wind.

What refers to the removal of soil through large, deep channels formed by runoff?

Gully erosion.

What is an example of wind erosion?

Dust storm.

Which one of the following helps to prevent soil erosion?

All the above.

How does the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service define healthy soil?

The continued capacity of soil to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans.

What are the functions of soil for plants?

Anchoring plants, supplying air, nutrients, and water.

What do agricultural scientists study?

The interaction between soils and their environment to enhance plant and animal production.

What is true about soil surveys?

They provide information about soils.

Which universities in Texas are designated as land-grant universities?

Texas A and M University & Prairie View A and M University.

How can you determine the soil type for an animal farm in Prairie View, Texas?

Utilize resources like the Web Soil Survey or SoilWeb.