Horticulture 2

define macronutrient

the nutrients we need in larger quantities that provide us with energy.

define micro nutrient

vitamins and minerals needed in very small amounts

Secondary nutrients

nutrients that slightly limit crop growth and are moderately required by plants.

what two nutrients do plants not get from soil

Hydrogen and Carbon

Macro nutrient signs of decay: Phosphorus

Burnt leaf tips

Dark green older leaves

Macro nutrient signs of decay: Potassium

Chlorotic leaves

Necrotic lesions

Stunted growth

Reduced yields

Macro nutrient signs of decay: Nitrogen

Stunted growth

Chlorosis (yellowing)

Inhibition of chlorophyll formation

what are the secondary nutrients

Calcium, Magnesium, Sulfur

what are the micronutrients

Boron, Chlorine, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Zinc

what is chlorosis

abnormal reduction or loss of the normal green coloration of leaves of plants, typically caused by iron deficiency.

what is necrosis

Premature death of cells, due to an injury

what are the steps in the nitrogen cicle

Ammonification, Nitrification and Assimilation:

Ammonification:

the process by which ammonium ions are made by saprophytic bacteria and fungi by incorporating nitrogenous compounds into amino acids and proteins, with excess nitrogen being released as a by-product of their metabolism.

Nitrification:

process in which species of soil-dwelling bacteria will oxidize ammonium ions into nitrite ions

Assimilation:

the formation of organic nitrogen compounds from inorganic nitrogen compounds present in the environment.

how does PH affect nutrient avalibility

Soil pH affects nutrients available for plant growth.

what is the appropriate PH range for most nutrients

Soil pH should be close to neutral, and neutral soils are considered to fall within a range from a slightly acidic pH of 6.5 to a slightly alkaline pH of 7.5. One nutrient that doesn’t follow this pattern is Iron.

what does a fertalizer label with 10-10-10 mean

10 percent nitrogen, 10 percent phosphate and 10 percent potassium. This is a very balanced fertilizer.

Weathering:

the physical, chemical, and biological process that creates soil.

Climate:

weather conditions, including both temperature and rainfall.

Organisms:

microorganisms that break down organic matter.

Relief:

an environment where the rocks and soil sit on the landscape.

Parent material:

the substances (bedrock, sediment, or organic material) that are weathered to form soil.

Time:

the length of time during which soil is formed, impacting soil composition.

what are six types of soiless media

Vermiculite, perlite, peat moss, coconut coir, Sphagnum moss, Bark,

what do living organisms provide for soil

They allow spaces fir gas exchange, create space for water flow, and increase soil health.

is soil nessicary

Plants can grow without soil, but they will need structures to support them, the correct amount of water and air to their roots, and ample nutrients

what is meant by the biological properties of soil

the direct and indirect influence of the living organisms habituating a particular soil

what is gravitational water

The amount of water in the soil that moves downward under the influence of gravity and reaches the water table

what is capulary water

the amount of water that is retained in minute interstitial spaces in the form of thin films surrounding the soil particles, is known as capillary water