Soil Exam-

Question 26 (3 points)

 

Biological nitrogen fixation is the main biological mechanism of fixing atmospheric nitrogen into plant available nitrogen. Briefly describe this process, which general groups of organisms are involved, which general groups of plants are also involved, and the name of the enzyme which enables the process to occur.

Question 27 (3 points)

 

What is ‘Integrated Pest Management’, generally speaking? How are the goals of IPM similar to nutrient management?

Question 28 (3 points)

 

Define the terms trace element and micronutrient. Are the two synonymous or not?

Question 29 (3 points)

 

List the essential elements/nutrients required for plant growth (17 total) – include a breakdown for non-mineral, macronutrients and micronutrients.

Question 30 (3 points)

 

Describe soil conditions/management practices where soils could be prone to micronutrient issues?

Question 31 (5 points)

 

What are three of the mainstay best management practices utilized to minimize non-point source agriculture pollution as a means of retarding the movement of nutrients offsite and into surface water bodies? Include in your discussion generally how they work.

Question 32 (5 points)

 

Describe four common nitrogen losses from the soil system. Include in your discussion a general description of the loss mechanism, means of stemming these losses (if applicable), and how it might be a positive or a negative agronomically and environmentally.

Question 33 (5 points)

 

Discuss why soil testing is an important tool to meet nutrient management goals. What is the basis for the nutrient recommendations reported in the soil test?

Question 34 (5 points)

 

What is eutrophication? What nutrients are generally behind this issue? Briefly describe what happens in a water body when eutrophication occurs and why is it environmentally problematic.

Question 35 (5 points)

 

Describe the four main transformations of nitrogen (mineralization, immobilization, nitrification, and denitrification). Include in your description a general description of the process, what organisms (specific or general) tend to help mediate these transformations, and why they are important in the cycling of nitrogen.

Question 36 (5 points)

 

Describe from a fertility standpoint why phosphorus is so difficult to manage. It is typically in low quantity in soils, is not very soluble, yet significant environmental issues stem from P. What is the cause of this conundrum, what are the issues, and what management practices might producers utilize to stem these issues? (Hint: your discussion should include terms like fixation, weathering, erosion/runoff, non-point source pollution, pH, BMP, etc.)

Question 37 (5 points)

 

What are the ultimate goals of comprehensive nutrient management? Discuss some management strategies to meet these goals.