Soil & Water Management
What is the best soil type for water retention?
Clay
Which plant nutrient is responsible for leafy growth?
Nitrogen
What does IPM stand for?
Integrated pest management
What is precision agriculture?
The use of technology to optimize farming practices.)
Which U.S. region is known for growing the most corn and soybeans?
(The Midwest)
What does soil pH affect?
The availability of nutrients to plants
What is one mechanical method of controlling plant growth?
pruning or trellising
Name one biological pest control method.
(Introducing natural predators, such as ladybugs for aphids.)
Name one technology used in precision agriculture
(Drones, GPS mapping, or soil sensors.)
Why is crop diversity important in agriculture?
(It improves soil health, reduces pest outbreaks, and increases food security.)
Why is drip irrigation more efficient than traditional irrigation?
It delivers water directly to plant roots, reducing waste).
What does a plant growth regulator do?
slowing growth or encouraging flowering
What is the economic threshold in pest management?
The pest population level where action is needed to prevent economic loss.)
How does GPS technology benefit farmers?
It allows precise application of fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation, reducing waste and increasing efficiency.)
What is the purpose of cover crops?
(To prevent soil erosion, improve soil fertility, and suppress weeds.)
What is one way farmers improve soil drainage in fields with high clay content
Adding organic matter or using tile drainage systems
Why might a farmer thin their crops
(To reduce competition for nutrients, water, and sunlight, improving overall plant health.)
How does crop rotation help with pest control?
It disrupts pest life cycles, reducing infestations and disease spread.)
Why is precision agriculture important for sustainability?
(It reduces resource waste, minimizes environmental impact, and increases crop yields.)
How do farmers determine the best time to harvest crops?
(By monitoring crop maturity, moisture levels, and market conditions.)
Explain how soil texture affects plant growth.
Soil texture determines water-holding capacity, aeration, and root penetration—sandy soils drain quickly, while clay soils retain more moisture.)
Describe the impact of chemical growth regulators on plant growth
Explain one advantage and one disadvantage of using chemical pesticides
Explain how variable rate technology (VRT) works in precision agriculture.
What are two major challenges associated with precision agriculture?
High initial costs and the need for technical knowledge to operate advanced equipment.)