soils and fertilizers nov 24

Final Exam Times:
- Soils: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Propagation: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Classroom, details to be provided
Break: Students can take a break between finals for lunch/breakfast.
Expected Duration:
- Completion of each final is expected to take about 1 to 1.25 hours.
- Aim to finish by 11:00 AM.
Flexibility: Students may choose to take Propagation first at 8:00 AM or take both in sequence after the break.
Final Deadline: Both finals must be completed by 2:00 PM on Monday.
Note: Be punctual, as being late will reduce your available exam time. Grace period of up to 30 minutes is offered, beyond which it is seen as a single 6-hour slot for two finals.

Format of each exam will include:
- 50 multiple choice questions
- Short answer questions (true/false, prediction)
- 5 short answer writing questions (students pick 5 from a total of 7-8)
Content Distribution:
- 25% of the questions will be based on content from tests 1 and 2.
- 50% based on PowerPoint materials related to fertility, labs, and various passing topics discussed.

Notes:
- Students will have access to handwritten notes for 5 minutes during each exam.
- It is recommended to use printed materials instead of electronic devices.
Review Opportunity: Limited time for review; ensure to clarify any questions prior to finals.

Trace Nutrients Overview:
- Micronutrients or trace nutrients are essential for healthy plant growth but are required in very small amounts.
- They are called "trace" nutrients because they are often needed in specific or certain parts of the plant's growth cycle.
Common Micronutrients:
- Iron, Copper, Molybdenum, Boron, and others.
- Boron: Essential for seed and flower formation; seen as sometimes overlooked in agriculture. Increased yields seen when boron is effectively applied in crops like corn and soybeans.

Availability in Soil Types:
- Micronutrients are generally more available in mineral soils compared to organic soils, where deficiencies may arise.
- Deficiency symptoms are not always a major concern in landscapes; focus tends to remain on macronutrients (N, P, K) and certain micronutrients like iron.
Specific Deficiencies and Symptoms:
- Iron Deficiency: Notable cause of interveinal chlorosis, where leaf veins remain green while surrounding tissue turns yellow, affecting photosynthesis and plant growth.
- Magnesium Deficiency: Exhibits cupping of leaves and necrotic leaf margins, indicating tissue death due to nutrient shortage.
- Copper Deficiency: Rare due to frequent presence in soil but may require monitoring due to its critical role in enzyme systems.

Diagnosing Plant Health:
- Most landscape professionals focus on major nutrients; issues with micronutrients often arise during specific crop production, especially with non-specialty fertilizers.
Application Recommendations:
- Half-strength applications are often effective for managing micronutrients.
- Spreading applications over time avoids toxicities due to excessive nutrient uptake by plants.
Phototoxic Reactions:
- Over-application of nutrients can lead to reduced plant health, notably in increased susceptibility to sunburn and desiccation.

Nutrient Behavior: Capable of high mobility within plants, but they are often held tightly within the soil matrix depending on chemical and physical properties.
Importance of pH:
- Managing pH is integral to optimizing nutrient availability and preventing toxicities.
- Excess nutrients may cause phytotoxicity to plants and be harmful to humans and animals.

Plant Utilization for Pollution Cleanup:
- Understanding the use of plants in remediation through phytoextraction of contaminants (pollutants pulled into the plant and disposed of with the plant).
- Discussed procedures for emergency spill remediation involving excavation and analysis of contaminated soil versus potential plant-based strategies.

Different Types of Fertilizers:
- Granular slow-release fertilizers coat nutrients allowing for gradual release.
- Water-soluble fertilizers dissolve completely in water, providing immediate nutrient access for plants.
Application Techniques:
- Placement strategies are crucial (e.g., not placing fertilizer packets at the bottom of the planting hole, as younger roots are more susceptible to burns).