CCA International Exam - Nutrient Management Questions With 100% Correct Answers

CCA International Exam - Nutrient Management Questions With 100% Correct Answers List the 17 elements essential for plant nutrition - answerC, H, O, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Cl, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu, B, Mo, Ni List the "beneficial elements" - answerSi, Na, Co, Se List the macronutrients - answernitrogen phosphorus potassium calcium magnesium sulfur carbon hydrogen oxygen List the micronutrients - answerboron copper iron chloride manganese molybdenum zinc nickel What is the function of nitrogen in plants? - answerfound in chlorophyll, nucleic acids and amino acids; component of protein and enzymes. What is the function of phosphorus in plants? - answeran essential component of DNA, RNA, and phospholipids, which play critical roles in cell membranes; also plays a major role in the energy system (ATP) of plants. What is the function of potassium in plants? - answerplays a major role in the metabolism of the plant, and is involved in photosynthesis, drought tolerance, improved winter hardiness and protein synthesis. What is the function of sulfur in plants? - answerrequired for protein synthesis; aids in seed production, producing the chlorophyll necessary for photosynthesis; necessary component of three amino acids needed for protein synthesis; required for nodule formation on root hairs of legume crops. Nitrogen: mobile or immobile in the plant? - answermobile as nitrate and ammonium (NO3 - / NH4 +) Phosphorus: mobile or immobile in the plant? - answersomewhat mobile as phosphate (H2PO4 - and HPO4 2-) Potassium: mobile or immobile in the plant? - answervery mobile (K+) Calcium: mobile or immobile in the plant? - answerimmobile (Ca 2+) Magnesium: mobile or immobile in the plant? - answersomewhat mobile (Mg 2+) Sulfur: mobile or immobile in the plant? - answermobile as (SO42-) Boron: mobile or immobile in the plant? - answerImmobile (BO3 -) Copper: mobile or immobile in the plant? - answerimmobile (Cu 2+) Iron: mobile or immobile in the plant? - answerimmobile (Fe 2+/Fe 3+) Manganese: mobile or immobile in the plant? - answerimmobile (Mn 2+) Zinc: mobile or immobile in the plant? - answerimmobile (Zn 2+) Molybdenum: mobile or immobile in the plant? - answerimmobile (MoO4 -) Chlorine: mobile or immobile in the plant? - answermobile (Cl -) Nickel: mobile or immobile in the plant? - answermobile (Ni 2+) How does nutrient uptake change as a plant progresses from germination to maturity? - answerplant nutrient needs start low while the plants are young and small, increases rapidly through vegetative growth, and then decreases again around the time of reproductive development Describe how the soil solution supplies nutrients from the soil - answersoil solution is the liquid in the soil and plant nutrients dissolved in the soil solution can move into the plant as the water is taken up. Describe how cation exchange sites supply nutrients from the soil - answerCations (Mg+, Ca+, K+) are held on negatively charged exchange sites in the soil. Describe how organic matter supplies nutrients from the soil - answerOrganic matter contains nutrients that are released for plant uptake through microbial decomposition. Describe how soil minerals supply nutrients from the soil - answerAs soil minerals (clays, carbonates, etc.) weather (breakdown) they release nutrients for plant uptake. A good example of this is potassium. Describe how plant residues supply nutrients from the soil - answerAs plant residues breakdown, the nutrients in them become available to growing plants. Nitrogen is typically the one we think of, but the other essential nutrients in plant residues will become available for plant uptake as well. Describe nutrient mineralization - answerMineralization refers to the conversion of organic N sources (plant residues, manures, and biosolids) to inorganic N sources. This is accomplished by a wide variety of microorganisms. Describe nutrient immobilization - answerImmobilization is the reverse of mineralization as this refers to the conversion of inorganic forms of nitrogen into organic forms, such as microbial cells and organic matter.. When do mineralization and immobilization occur? - answerThe same time What do C:N ratios tell us? - answerC:N 20 = net mineralization of N C:N 30 = net immobilization of N Describe uptake antagonism between ions - answerrefers to circumstances where, depending on soil conditions and nutrient form and availability, plant uptake is weighted favorably toward some nutrient(s) over others. Describe mass flow - answeroccurs when a nutrient is dissolved in the soil solution and flows with water into the plant. This is the major process for uptake of nitrogen, calcium and magnesium. Describe diffusion - answermovement of a nutrient from area of high concentration to lower concentration. Typically the nutrient will move from the soil solution (high) to the root surface (low). *important process for phosphorus and potassium; key theory behind use of banded or starter fertilizer*