Fertilizer and Soil
Define fertilizer.
A material applied to supply essential elements to plants.
Define a plant nutrient deficiency.
A lack of nutrient harming plant growth.
Define soilless media.
Growth materials that do not consist of soil; uniform and always the SAME.
What are the "big 3" in fertilizers?
NPK
What is the function of nitrogen in relation to plant growth?
Encourages foliage growth.
Why is proper fertilization important?
So plants grow properly.
Define a plant nutrient toxicity.
An overabundance of a nutrient harming plant growth.
What is peat moss?
Most widely used component.
Organic material dug from peat bogs in Michigan and Florida.
Has light BD, good moisture holding ability, good air space quality, stable pH.
A 5-10-5 fertilizer would contain _______________% nitrogen.
5
What is the function of potassium in relation to plant growth?
Overall health and vigor of plants.
What is the difference between a complete and incomplete fertilizer?
Complete has N-P-K present and incomplete is missing one of them.
Define a macronutrient.
Needed in a large amount
Name 4 types of other media.
Peat Moss, Vermiculate, Perlite, Plastic Foam, Sand, Clay, Rockwool, Coir, Bark, Mineral Soil, Aquaponics, Hydroponics
A 5-10-5 fertilizer would contain _______________% phosphorus.
10
What is the function of phosphorus in relation to plant growth?
Rooting and setting of flower buds.
Define leaching in relation to soil nutrients.
Downward pulling of nutrients through the soil by percolating water.
Define a micronutrient
Needed in a small amount
What is the difference between an aquaponic and hydroponic?
Hydroponics are just plants, whereas aquaponics are plants and fish
If you purchased a 10 pound bag of fertilizer labeled 5-10-5, it would contain 5% nitrogen (N), 10% phosphorus (P) and 5% potassium (K). What is the remaining 80%?
Other materials
What is the function of zinc in relation to plant growth?
Key role in enzyme activation, photosynthesis, and the development of leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits
How does the pH of soil affect the nutrients available to a plant?
Certain types of nutrients are only available for plants to use when it is in the proper pH level.
What are 7 nutrients that are essential for plant growth?
Nitrogen
Phosphorous
Potassium
Sulfur
Calcium
Magnesium
Chlorine
Zinc
Copper
Molybdenum
Iron
Nickel
Boron
What is coir made from?
Waste products from the coconut industry.
Jack and Jill went up the hill and noticed the grass was very yellow. Which fertilizer would be best for them to use, 12-12-12, 28-14-14 or 4-16-4? Explain your answer.
Use 28-14-14
Nitrogen is used to help promote lush green foliage growth, the 28-14-14 fertilizer is the highest in nitrogen.
What is the function of copper in relation to plant growth?
Essential for photosynthesis and respiration.