Media Flashcards

1
Q

4 basic functions soil must provide for good plant growth

A

o Anchorage for roots
o Body of storage for water
o Space for oxygen
o Nutrients

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2
Q

Ideal soil/media

A

50% solid (loam), 25% air, 25% water

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3
Q

Bulk Density

A

Dry weight of a volume of substrate

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4
Q

Lighter bulk density

A

reduced labor, cheaper to ship

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5
Q

Higher bulk density

A

reduced aeration/oxygen, inhibits root growth

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6
Q

3 parts of soil texture

A

-sand
-silt
-clay

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7
Q

Soils with more clay will…

A

hold more water and have less air space

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8
Q

Sandy soils…

A

hold less water and drain more because they have more air space

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9
Q

Loam

A

a fertile soil with balanced amounts of sand, silt, and clay

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10
Q

recommended porosity

A

50-85%

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11
Q

Compaction is brought about by

A

physical actions (rain, traffic, freeze/thaw) or lack of organic matter

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12
Q

Field capacity

A

the total capacity of a field of soil to hold water against gravity’s pull

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13
Q

Benefits of adding organic matter to soil

A

-Promotes moisture retention
-Enhances drainage
-Improves nutrient-holding capacity by binding soil
-Adds nutrients

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14
Q

5 benefits of mulch

A

-Moderates soil temperature (Cooler and moister in summer, Warmer in winter)
-Hinders weed growth
-Frost protection
-Conserves moisture
-Prevents erosion

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15
Q

pH where macronutrients less available

A

lower pH

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16
Q

pH where micronutrients less available

A

higher pH (especially iron and zinc)

17
Q

Epiphyte Soil

A

-Highly porous and well-draining
-Coarse bark and charcoal in hanging basket

18
Q

Aquatic soil

A

-no floaters, un-composted organic material or added fertilizers
-Conservatory pools use 1:1 ratio of screened topsoil and screened compost

19
Q

Tropical mix

A

Compost, plantone, perlite, active iron, charcoal

20
Q

Orchid Mix

A

-Drainage important
-Chopped bark, perlite, charcoal, peat moss, broken dry leaves