Soil Fertility
Overview
A fertile soil is one that can supply a crop with the nutrients it needs, in the right amounts, throughout the growing season. Fertility is not the same as the amount of soil there is: a deep soil can still be hungry, and a thin soil can be made productive with care. The skill of the farmer lies in reading the signs of what a soil lacks and putting it right, whether by recycling nutrients naturally or by adding the right fertiliser.
In this lesson you will learn the major plant nutrients and how to recognise their deficiency in a crop, follow nitrogen as it cycles between the air, the soil and living things, and weigh the value of legumes, organic manures and inorganic fertilisers. You will also see how testing and adjusting soil pH, by liming or by choosing fertilisers with care, keeps a soil in good heart.
Objectives
- (a) explain the importance of the following major nutrients to soil fertility and describe the signs and effects of their deficiency in plants: major nutrients - compounds of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulfur.
- (b) carry out practical soil sampling and tests for soil pH.
- (c) describe the nitrogen cycle and its importance to soil fertility.
- (d) explain the importance of legumes and the use of organic fertilisers (manure and compost) in maintaining good soil structure and fertility.
- (e) describe the use of inorganic fertilisers (limited to one example each of a fertiliser containing predominantly phosphorus and predominantly potassium and one example of a compound fertiliser) in maintaining soil fertility.
- (f) explain how fertilising practices and liming can affect soil pH.
Lesson Note
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Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on Soil Fertility. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- Which nutrient is most needed for healthy leaf and stem growth? A. Phosphorus B. Potassium C. Nitrogen D. Calcium Answer: C
- A plant with purple leaves and small roots is most likely deficient in: A. Nitrogen B. Phosphorus C. Potassium D. Magnesium Answer: B
- In the nitrogen cycle, the conversion of nitrates back into nitrogen gas is called: A. Nitrogen fixation B. Nitrification C. Denitrification D. Decay Answer: C
- Which fertiliser mainly supplies potassium? A. Single superphosphate B. Muriate of potash C. Ammonium nitrate D. Lime Answer: B
- Adding lime to a soil that has become too acid will: A. Lower the soil pH further B. Raise the soil pH towards neutral C. Remove all the nitrogen D. Have no effect on pH Answer: B
Available on the Green Bridge App
Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.
Available on the Green Bridge App
Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.
Recommended Books
Practice Mock Questions
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