Incorrect Exam Questions, Micro and Macro Deficiency Symptoms and Fertiliser Composition

Which nutrient is most prone to leaching from sandy clay loam soils?

Sulphate

What is the most effective liming material available today?

Hydrated / Slaked Lime (calcium hydroxide) at 70% NV - burnt lime reacted with water (very expensive)

Which crop is least sensitive to soil acidity?

Rye

What is the process called when nitrates in the soil are converted to elemental N and gaseous nitrous oxides in anaerobic soils?

Denitrification

Are solution fertilisers more concentrated than solid fertilisers?

No - solution fertilisers are less concentrated

Which nutrient is a major constituent of plant cell nucleic acids?

Phosphorus

What may increased levels of sulphur applications cause within OSR?

Increased levels of glucosinolates

Do carboniferous clay soils naturally release potash?

No

Which nutrient do high levels of phosphorus in the soil solution reduce uptake of?

Zinc

What is the maximum rate of N that should be applied immediately after the drilling of sugar beet?

40kg N/ha

What is an important function of calcium in the plant?

It strengthens cell walls

What are signs of calcium deficiency in potatoes?

Internal rust spot

What would the optimum timing be when making a granular fertiliser application in wheat to boost grain protein?

GS37 - Flag leaf emergence (just visible)

What is the organic manure N field limit for any 12 month period under NVZ rules?

250kg N/ha

Which nutrient is found in the largest quantity in biosolids?

Phosphorus

Which has the highest BOD - pig slurry or silage effluent?

Silage effluent

Which has the highest BOD - milk or silage effluent?

Milk

Which has the lower BOD - cattle slurry or pig slurry?

Cattle slurry

Which potato disease can be worsened by high soil pH?

Common Scab

Which fertiliser has the most rapid effect in increasing available magnesium?

Kieserite

Which crop is most likely to show a response to sulphur?

OSR

What is it called if an inorganic element is converted to an organic element?

Immobilsaiton

What is it called if an organic element is converted to an inorganic element?

Mineralisation

What must the separation distance be from surface water when applying synthetic fertiliser under NVZ rules?

2m

What must the separation distance be from wells and boreholes when spreading organic manures?

50m

What is meant by 'Hazard' in the COSHH assessment process?

Hazard refers to a substance's potential to cause harm to people in the workplace.

What does 'Risk' indicate in the COSHH assessment?

Risk is the likelihood or probability that harm will actually occur under workplace conditions.

Which type of fire extinguisher should be used in fires involving AN?

Water

What are the target P and K values for vegetable crops?

P3 and K2+

What is the NVZ closed period for pig slurry on light sandy soil for a cereal crop?

1st August to 31st December

What closed period limits application rates of high RAN organic manure on tillage land on sandy and shallow soils under NVZ rules?

1st August to 31st December

What closed period limits application rates of high RAN organic manure on grassland on sandy and shallow soils under NVZ rules?

1st September to 31st December

What closed period limits application rates of high RAN organic manure on tillage land on all other soils apart from sandy and shallow soils under NVZ rules?

1st October to 31st January

What closed period limits application rates of high RAN organic manure on grassland on all other soils apart from sandy and shallow soils under NVZ rules?

15th October to 31st January

Does cattle manure and sludge/biosolids have a closed period in an NVZ?

No - it is low RAN (< 30%)

What form is the crop available N in chicken manure?

Ammonium and uric acid

What can a Quantofix test be used to determine?

The ammonium-N content of a slurry

What closed period limits application rates of straw based cattle manure on a sandy loam soil before a potato crop under NVZ rules?

There is no closed period as cattle manure is low RAN (< 30%)

What fertiliser is suitable for foliar feeding magnesium?

Epsom salts

What four nutrients does Polyhalite contain?

K, Ca, Mg and S

What is an example of a Group 3 potato variety?

Maris Piper

What is an example of a Group 4 potato variety?

Markies

Which nutrient deficiency can be alleviated by consolidating the soil in a crop of barley?

Manganese

What are typical phosphorus deficiency symptoms?

- Stunted root and shoot

- Chlorosis of the older leaves

- Leaf discolouration (purple)

What is the minimum time that operational records must be kept for under COSHH regulations?

At least 3 years

What is the minimum time that servicing and maintenance records must be kept for under COSHH regulations?

At least 5 years

How long must personal health records be kept if they are made for COSHH purposes?

At least 40 years

What is the optimum pH for continuous grass or grass/clover swords on peaty soils?

pH 5.3

What two things are required to determine the Grass Growth Class (GGC)?

- Average summer rainfall

- Soil type

What is “wither tip” in cereals a deficiency of?

Copper

Which nutrient is found in the largest quantity in cereal straw?

Potassium

Which nutrient are sludge/biosolids high in?

Phosphorus

Which nutrient is cereal straw high in?

Potassium

Why is it difficult to raise the P index on low pH soils?

Phosphorus readily becomes unavailable as lock-up occurs

How long should written advice from an FQA advisor be kept under NVZ rules?

At least 5 years

Which two nutrients are essential for the formulation of plant proteins?

Sulphur and Nitrogen

What are the benefits of using SOP instead of MOP in potatoes?

• It increases dry matter content

• Doesn’t contain potassium chloride which potatoes are sensitive towards

What are the products of denitrification?

Elemental N and Nitrous Oxide

What is the critial pH?

The level below which the crop would suffer due to acidity

Which crop family is least tolerant to low pH?

Legumes (beans and peas)

What is the optimum pH of organic soils?

5.8

What is the optimum pH of mineral soils?

6.5

Who is responsible for complying with NVZ rules?

The occupier of the land

Between what dates must you have enough storage capacity for pig slurry and poultry manure under NVZ rules?

1st October to 1st April

Between what dates must you have enough storage capacity for livestock slurry other than pig slurry and poultry manure under NVZ rules?

1st October to 1st March

What is the standard yield for spring barley?

5.5t/ha

What is the standard yield for winter barley?

6.5t/ha

What is the closed period for applying synthetic fertilisers to tillage land?

1st September to 15th January

What is the closed period for applying synthetic fertilisers to grassland?

15th September to 15th January

Which five areas are covered in the Sewage Sludge on Farmland Code of Practice?

- Benefits and hazards of using sludge

- Permitted usage

- Treatment processes

- Testing requirements

- Environmental protection and public nuisance prevention

What should liquid fertiliser stores be built on?

A solid, stable concrete base that can withstand the full tank weight

Where should solid fertiliser be stored?

In a secure, single-storey building that is clean, dry, rodent-proof, and away from surface water and drains by at least 10 metres.

Where must slurry be stored under NVZ rules?

In a tank, lagoon, or other suitable facility that prevents leaks and contamination.

When applying slurry what spreading equipment must you use under NVZ rules?

Equipment with a low spreading trajectory (less than 4m from the ground)

What is the required storage capacity for pig slurry and poultry manure in an NVZ?

A minimum of 6 months (1st October to 1st April inclusive)

What is the required storage capacity for livestock slurry (other than pig and poultry) in an NVZ?

A minimum of 5 months (1st October to 1st March inclusive)

Where must poultry manure and other solid manures be stored under NVZ rules?

In a vessel on an impermeable base with runoff containment, in a roofed building or an appropriately located temporary field heap.

How is the Measurement Method for Soil Nitrogen Supply carried out?

- Take 10 to 15 cores in a W-shaped pattern at three depths (0-30 cm, 30-60 cm, 60-90 cm) and have each sample tested

- Add the depth N values together to find Soil Mineral Nitrogen (SMN)

- Calculate the SNS = SMN + Crop N Content + Mineralisable N (then convert to an index)

When must a urease inhibitor be used?

If urea is applied after 1st April (when weather is warmer - increased rate of volatilisation)

Which crop can untreated urea be applied to?

OSR in the autumn - before 1st April when urease inhibitor is required

Can you add a urease inhibitor to untreated granular urea?

No - it can only be added to liquid UREAN / UAN

What is the OM% of organic mineral soils?

8% to 20% (organic sandy loam)

What is the OM% of peaty soils?

20% to 35%

What is the OM% of peat soils?

> 35%

Why do light sandy soils require less N that clay soils?

• They have a low nutrient holding capacity due to having a low CEC

• Higher leaching risk due to solubility of N in water and weak structure

• Lower yield potential due to low natural fertility and water-holding capacity

What is the order in which soils will require the most N (highest to lowest)?

• Shallow soils

• Medium and deep clay soils

• Silty soils

• Light sandy soils

• Organic and peaty soils

How and why do fertiliser recommendations differ between feed barley and malting barley crops?

• Malting barley requires less N due to the effect on grain protein - more N results in a higher grain protein which lowers starch levels

• Starch (sugars) is what is required for brewing and so a lower protein content in the grain results in a higher starch:protein ratio

• Malting barley is grown for quality rather than yield - aim for 1.8% N and 9.5-11.5% protein content in the grain

How would you advise an arable farmer on light soils who is considering using biosolids for the first time?

• Biosolids can be an effective way of increasing the organic matter content and cation exchange capacity of sandy soils.

• They can help to improve soil structure whilst adding N and P, reducing requirements from synthetic fertilisers.

• Applications in the winter should be avoided to minimise leaching - not classed as high RAN

What is Integrated Farm Management (IFM)?

Making the best use of available resources so they complement each other to produce profitable crops while practising environmental stewardship and using energy and manufactured inputs responsibly.

What is the function of nitrogen in the plant?

Constituent of enzymes and chlorophyll

What are the symptoms of nitrogen deficiency?

• Chlorosis then necrosis of the older leaves

• Stunted growth and fewer tillers

• Early ripening

What is the function of phosphorus in the plant?

Energy transfer (ATP), nucleic acid formation and oil transport

What are the symptoms of phosphorus deficiency?

• Chlorosis then necrosis on the older leaves

• Stunted growth

• Purple discolourations

What is the function of potassium in the plant?

Catalyst and controls water movement

What are the symptoms of potassium deficiency?

• Stunted growth (all crops) and fewer tillers (cereals)

• Scorch on the older leaf margins (broardleaf crops) and tips (cereals)

• Potatoes will bruise more easily

What is the function of magnesium in the plant?

Constituent of chlorophyll and enymes

What are the symptoms of magnesium deficiency?

• Interveinal chlorosis on the older leaves

• Potatoes will show necrotic spots

What is the function of calcium in the plant?

Strengthens cell walls and neutralises acids

What are the symptoms of calcium deficiency?

• Discolouration of the younger leaves

• Weak stems and death of the growing point

• Internal rust spot in potatoes

• Twisted plants in peas

What is the function of sulphur in the plant?

Constituent of proteins and essential oils