CRSS 3060 Test 2 (Chapters 6-8 (soils) and 9 (hydrology)) with Complete Solutions!

Essential elements for plants - ANSWER-C, H, O Macronutrients - ANSWER-N, P, K Micronutrient cations - ANSWER-Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Co Micronutrient Anions - ANSWER-B, Cl, Mo secondary elements - ANSWER-Ca, Mg, S Nitrogen - ANSWER-the most limiting factor for non-leguminous plants. Soil microbes also take up nitrogen, and soil nitrogen is usually caught in humus (main soil reservoir) denitirification - ANSWER-Conversion of nitrates into nitrogen gas (anaerobic conditions) Immobilization - ANSWER-uptake of inorganic nutrients by organisms or plants Mineralization - ANSWER-release of organically bound nutrients into soluble, mineral forms through decomposition Nitrification - ANSWER-ammonia is converted to nitrate ions (NO3-). Phosphorus - ANSWER-2nd most abundant mineral for plants; plants use mycorrhizae to take up scare P in soils Potassium - ANSWER-a lot of K available in soils from feldspar and mica; readily absorbed on CEC sites. added as a fertilizer to ag soils Ca and Mg - ANSWER-aka the lime elements; found in primary minerals and released during the weathering process. Sulfur - ANSWER-humus has high S content; can be a problem via acid rain Biggest risks with micronutrient cations: - ANSWER--direct toxicity -excessive plant uptake -leaching or runoff Micronutrient anions in the SE: - ANSWER-tightly bound by Fe oxides and can be deficient. ideal pH range for plants - ANSWER-5.5-6.5 Macroorganisms in soil - ANSWER-worms, insects, burrowing animals m