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Question 1

What must be determined before cultivating a piece of soil?

Answer 1

1. Carrying capacity
2. Suitability
3. Quality
4. Type

Question 2

What is the purpose of taking soil samples?

Answer 2

To get them analysed by a laboratory

Question 3

When should soil testing be done?

Answer 3

Before every planting season

Question 4

What does soil provide in agricultural production?

Answer 4

Plant nutrients

Question 5

Fill in the blank: Soil ________ is important for plant growth.

Answer 5

[medium]

Question 6

What are the functions of soil in production? List at least three.

Answer 6

• Provides plant nutrients
• Stores and provides water
• Medium for plant growth
• Climate regulation

Question 7

True or False: Soil type and color are part of soil quality assessment.

Answer 7

True

Question 8

What is one function of soil related to water?

Answer 8

Water filtration

Question 9

What aspect of soil affects climate regulation?

Answer 9

Soil structure and texture

Question 10

How does soil affect air movement?

Answer 10

It allows for the movement of air

Question 11

What soil test measures the acidity or alkalinity of soil?

Answer 11

Soil pH

Question 12

What can the colour of soil indicate?

Answer 12

Drainage, minerals, organic material

Example: Black soil indicates high humus concentration.

Question 13

What is the size classification of gravel in soil texture?

Answer 13

> 2mm

Question 14

What is the size classification of sand in soil texture?

Answer 14

2-0.5mm

Question 15

What is the size classification of silt in soil texture?

Answer 15

0.05-0.002mm

Question 16

What is the size classification of clay in soil texture?

Answer 16

<0.002mm

Question 17

What does soil structure refer to?

Answer 17

The grouping of soil particles into groups/aggregates

Question 18

What are some examples of soil aggregate shapes?

Answer 18

Plate-like, granular

Question 19

What does soil depth indicate?

Answer 19

Volume of soil which can be used for cultivation

Question 20

How does soil acidity and pH vary?

Answer 20

Depends on many factors and can change over short periods of time

Question 21

What is the effect of increasing soil pH?

Answer 21

Lime (CaCO3)

Question 22

What is the effect of lowering soil pH?

Answer 22

Gypsum (CaSO4)

Question 23

What is the temperature range that crops are sensitive to?

Answer 23

15 to 37°C

Question 24

What is soil temperature a measure of?

Answer 24

Heat intensity

Question 25

How does temperature influence crops?

Answer 25

Changes in temperature influence growth

Question 26

What is the relationship between groundwater and soil properties?

Answer 26

The availability of groundwater influences soil texture and properties

Question 27

What is one method farmers use to access groundwater?

Answer 27

Boreholes

Question 28

What is monoculture farming?

Answer 28

The practice of cultivating a single crop over a large area. ## Footnote Monoculture can lead to various agricultural challenges.

Question 29

What is one negative impact of monoculture farming?

Answer 29

Soil nutrient depletion. ## Footnote Continuous planting of the same crop can exhaust specific nutrients from the soil.

Question 30

What is another negative impact of monoculture farming?

Answer 30

Increased vulnerability to pests and diseases. ## Footnote Monocultures can create an environment where pests and diseases spread more easily.

Question 31

What is a third negative impact of monoculture farming?

Answer 31

Reduction in biodiversity. ## Footnote Cultivating a single crop limits the variety of plants and organisms in the ecosystem.

Question 32

What is crop rotation?

Answer 32

The practice of planting different crops in a planned sequence on the same land ## Footnote This practice aims to improve soil health and nutrient cycling.

Question 33

What are the results of crop rotation?

Answer 33

* Improving soil health * Nutrient cycling * Potentially reducing pest and disease issues ## Footnote These results contribute to sustainable agriculture.

Question 34

Why is pest and disease control important in crop rotation?

Answer 34

It helps break the cycle of pests and diseases that can build up in the soil ## Footnote Continuous planting of the same crops can lead to increased pest and disease problems.

Question 35

How does crop rotation benefit soil health?

Answer 35

Different plants have different nutrient needs and soil preferences ## Footnote This diversity helps maintain soil balance and prevents nutrient depletion.

Question 36

Which type of crops can improve soil structure during crop rotation?

Answer 36

Legumes ## Footnote Legumes add nitrogen to the soil, benefiting subsequent crops.

Question 37

Fill in the blank: Crop rotation helps in __________ nutrient cycling.

Answer 37

improving

Question 38

True or False: Crop rotation can potentially increase pest and disease issues.

Answer 38

False ## Footnote Crop rotation is designed to reduce pest and disease issues.

Question 39

What practices help maintain soil balance in crop rotation?

Answer 39

Rotating crops with different nutrient needs ## Footnote This prevents nutrient depletion by ensuring that various nutrients are utilized.

Question 40

What is one benefit of improved soil structure from certain crops?

Answer 40

It benefits subsequent crops by enhancing soil quality ## Footnote Improved soil structure allows for better water retention and root growth.