Unit 3-Final Exam Study Guide

Question 1

Peat

Answer 1

Partially decayed plant material and composed mainly of organic matter. Used for its high nutrient and moisture holding capacity. Also reduces acidity of soil.

Question 2

Bark

Answer 2

Made from both softwoods (conifers) and hardwoods (oak) and is used in a variety of potting mixes as a substitute for peat. Is lightweight and contains major elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Question 3

Sand

Answer 3

An inorganic substance made from minerals but lacks carbon. Commonly used component in many potting mixes because it provides good aeration and drainage. Sand is easy to pasteurize and comes in a variety of particle sizes.

Question 4

Perlite

Answer 4

Made from light rock that is volcanic in origin. Advantages of perlite include its capability to provide aeration and drainage, and it can be pasteurized easily.

Question 5

Vermiculite

Answer 5

A very lightweight, expanded platelike material obtained by heat-treating mica; it can be coarse or fine. It has a high moisture and nutrient holding capacity.

Question 6

Substrate systems

Answer 6

Plant roots are surrounded by either inert or organic materials to provide support

Question 7

Floating system

Answer 7

Plants are put on a raft and grown in the solution

Question 8

Nutrient Film Technique system

Answer 8

Plants are placed in a trough with a shallow stream of circulating nutrient solution.

Question 9

Macronutrient

Answer 9

chemical elements that are required in large amounts for normal growth and development of plants.

Question 10

Micronutrient

Answer 10

chemical elements that are essential for normal plant
growth and development, but they are needed in much smaller amounts than macronutrients.

Question 11

Nitrogen deficiency symptoms

Answer 11

stunted growth, yellowing of leaves (chlorosis)

Question 12

Phosporous deficiency symptoms

Answer 12

dark green leaves with purplish color on underside, stunted plants

Question 13

Potassium deficiency symptoms

Answer 13

marginal burning of leaves, speckled leaves, leaf curling, reduced size.

Question 14

Magnesium deficiency symptoms

Answer 14

older leaves, yellowing between veins

Question 15

Mobile nutrient deficiency shows where?

Answer 15

Shows up on older leaves.

Question 16

Immobile nutrient deficiency shows where?

Answer 16

Shows up on newer leaves.

Question 17

When the pH of soil is too low, add:

Answer 17

Limestone.

Question 18

When the pH of soil is too high, add:

Answer 18

Sulfur/sulfur compounds.

Question 19

Based on a fertilizer grade, determine what each number of the fertilizer stands for.

Answer 19

The first number= Nitrogen, second number=phosphate, third number=potassium.

Question 20

A fertilizer is complete if:

Answer 20

It contains all three major nutrients.

Question 21

Broadcasting

Answer 21

evenly spreading the fertilizer on soil surface.

Question 22

Top dressing

Answer 22

placing fertilizer uniformly around stem of plant

Question 23

Side dressing

Answer 23

lacing fertilizer in bands and in the sides after seedling emerges.

Question 24

Banding

Answer 24

fertilizer is placed 2-3 inches on one side of seed.

Question 25

Describe the benefits of organic matter.

Answer 25

increases water holding capacity; provides pore space; enhancing root growth; regulates soil temperature; releases small amounts of nitrogen and other nutrients as it decays; increases the soil’s ability to hold nutrients; promotes the growth of microorganisms.