AGRI 103 Agronomy Final Exam Review

These flashcards cover key concepts and definitions related to agronomy, focusing on crop management, soil properties, pest management, and agricultural practices.

Climate components affecting crops

Temperature and moisture are the two main climate components that affect crops.

Functions of water in plants

Water serves four main functions in plants: it acts as a solvent, a reactant in photosynthesis, a medium for nutrient transport, and a supporter of cell structure.

Effects of temperature on plants

Temperature affects plants by influencing their growth rates, metabolic processes, and stress resistance.

Practices to manage soil temperature and moisture

Producers can use mulching, cover cropping, and tillage techniques to manage soil temperature and moisture.

Functions of organic matter in soil

Organic matter improves soil fertility, enhances soil structure, increases water retention, and provides habitat for soil organisms.

Soil texture

Soil texture refers to the proportion of sand, silt, and clay in the soil and affects its agricultural usage.

Field capacity

Field capacity is the amount of water the soil can retain after excess water has drained away.

Permanent wilting point

Permanent wilting point is the moisture level at which plants can no longer extract water from the soil.

Importance of soil structure and aggregation

Soil structure and aggregation affect water infiltration, root penetration, and nutrient availability in agricultural soils.

Soil organism

Earthworms are a type of soil organism that aerate the soil and enhance nutrient cycling.

Soil fertility

Soil fertility refers to the ability of soil to provide essential nutrients for plant growth.

Management practices to enhance soil fertility

Practices such as adding organic amendments, crop rotations, and nutrient management enhance soil fertility.

Effects of soil pH on crop growth

Soil pH affects nutrient availability and microbial activity, which are crucial for crop growth.

Benefits of crop rotations

Crop rotations enhance soil health, reduce pest and disease pressure, and improve biodiversity.

Advantages of no-till seeding

No-till seeding reduces soil erosion, improves water retention, and enhances soil structure.

Soil erosion

Soil erosion is the removal of the topsoil layer, and it can be minimized by practices like contour plowing and plant cover.

Effects of weeds on crops

Weeds compete with crops for nutrients, water, and light, reducing crop yields.

Effects of diseases on crops

Diseases can lead to reduced crop quality and yields; three factors for disease occurrence are pathogen presence, susceptible host, and favorable environmental conditions.

Insect damage to crops

Insects can damage crops by feeding on them and reducing yields; some insects also provide benefits by pollination or pest control.

Integrated pest management (IPM)

IPM is an ecological approach to managing pests through a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and chemical methods.

Issues with chemical pest management

Chemical pest management can lead to resistance, environmental contamination, and harm to non-target species.

Organic weed control approaches

In organic systems, weed control can be managed through mechanical weeding, mulching, and rotation with cover crops.