Structure
What do we call the gaps between soil particles?
pores
What are the three primary macro-nutrients required in plants?
Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium
What is the level of acidity of the soil if the pH reading is 7.0?
neutral
What is monoculture?
Growing single crop in a field at a time.
What temperature does leafy crop like lettuce needed to survive?
Cool temperature
What type of soil has good aeration but poor water-holding capacity?
Sandy soil
What is the process by which water-soluble nutrients are washed down through the soil profile beyond the reach of plant roots?
Leaching
What do we add in plants to raise soil pH and reduce acidity?
Limestone/calcium carbonate
What family plant does beans, peas and legumes belong?
Legumes
What is the ideal, slightly acidic to neutral soil pH range preferred by lettuce for optimal nutrient uptake?
6.0 to 7.0
What type of soil has particles smaller than 0.0002mm and has a good water holding capacity?
Clay soil
It is the maximum amount of water a soil can hold against the pull of gravity after excess water has drained away.
Field capacity
What is the best time to add lime in our soils?
autumn
In a standard crop rotation plan, crops are grown in sequence so they aren't re-grown in the same soil for at least how many years?
4
Irrigation practice recommended for lettuce to prevent foliar diseases like downy mildew while maintaining shallow root moisture
Drip irrigation
What happen when heavy machinery and frequent foot traffic cause this type of soil degradation, which reduces pore space and restricts root growth?
Soil Compaction
What soil management practice will you do to remove excess water from the soil?
Drainage
What is the difference between adding fertilizer and lime to the soil?
fertilizer-nutrients
lime- neutralizing soil pH/acidity
What is the method of leaving crop residue on the field and planting seeds directly into the un-plowed ground to preserve soil structure?
No tilling
What will happen if lettuce or related leafy crops are grown in the same field without proper rotation?
Lettuce drop or disease
It is dark, organic material formed in soil by the decomposition of plant and animal matter that heavily improves soil structure.
Humus
What do we call a type of irrigation when the water is not placed next to the roots where it is needed the most?
Sprinkler
What is the negative effect of adding too much fertilizer in our environment?
Nitrate pollution- too much nitrogen runoff in the water
Name three key reasons why crop rotation is important for a farm.
minimising nutrient depletion, controlling pests/diseases, and improving soil structure
What plant family do we need to avoid planting immediately before or after lettuce in a crop rotation to prevent soil-borne pests like aphids and root pathogens?
Asteraceae (sunflower/daisy family)