<<–2/”>a >a href=”https://exam.pscnotes.com/Soil-fertility/”>Soil fertility refers to the ability of a soil to sustain agricultural plant Growth, i.e. to provide plant habitat and result in sustained and consistent yields of high quality. A fertile soil has the following properties:-
- It is rich in nutrients necessary for basic plant nourishment. This includes nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
- It consists of adequate Minerals such as boron, chlorine, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, molybdenum, sulphur and zinc. These minerals promote plant Nutrition.
- It contains soil organic matter that improves the structure of the soil. This enables the soil to retain more moisture.
- The soil pH is in the range 6.0 to 6.8.
- It has a good Soil Structure which results in well-drained soil.
- It consists of a variety of micro-organisms that support plant growth.
- It often contains large amounts of topsoil
There are 16 nutrient Elements required to grow crops (Table 1). Three essential nutrients—carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and Oxygen (O )—are taken up from atmospheric carbon dioxide and water. The other 13 nutrients are taken up from the soil and are usually grouped as primary nutrients, secondary nutrients, and micronutrients.
The primary nutrients—nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)—are commonly found in blended Fertilizers such as 10-10-10, or equivalent grades. Primary nutrients are utilized in the largest amounts by crops, and therefore, are applied at higher rates than secondary nutrients and micronutrients.
The secondary nutrients—calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S)—are required in smaller amounts than the primary nutrients. The major source for supplementing the soil with calcium and magnesium is dolomitic lime (aglime), although these nutrients are also available from a variety of fertilizer sources. Sulfur is available in fertilizers such as potassium and magnesium sulfate, gypsum (calcium sulfate), and elemental sulfur.
Micronutrients—iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), boron (B), and molybdenum (Mo)—are required in even smaller amounts than secondary nutrients. They are available in manganese, zinc and copper sulfates, oxides, oxy-sulfates and chelates, as well as in boric acid and ammonium molybdate.,
Soil is a complex and dynamic system that provides essential nutrients and support for Plants. Soil fertility is the ability of soil to provide these nutrients to plants in a form that they can use. Soil pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of soil. Soil organic matter is the living and dead organic material in soil. Soil structure is the arrangement of soil particles into aggregates. Soil water is the water that is held in soil pores. Soil air is the air that is present in soil pores. Soil temperature is the temperature of soil. Plant nutrients are the elements that plants need to grow. Nitrogen is a plant nutrient that is essential for Protein Synthesis. Phosphorus is a plant nutrient that is essential for energy production. Potassium is a plant nutrient that is essential for water regulation. Calcium is a plant nutrient that is essential for cell wall formation. Magnesium is a plant nutrient that is essential for chlorophyll production. Sulfur is a plant nutrient that is essential for protein synthesis. Iron is a plant nutrient that is essential for chlorophyll production. Manganese is a plant nutrient that is essential for energy production. Copper is a plant nutrient that is essential for chlorophyll production. Zinc is a plant nutrient that is essential for protein synthesis. Boron is a plant nutrient that is essential for cell wall formation. Molybdenum is a plant nutrient that is essential for nitrogen fixation. Chlorine is a plant nutrient that is essential for water regulation. Micronutrients are plant nutrients that are needed in small amounts. Essential elements are plant nutrients that are necessary for plant growth. Non-essential elements are plant nutrients that are not necessary for plant growth. Nutrient cycling is the process by which nutrients are recycled through the soil, plants, and animals. Mineralization is the process by which organic matter is broken down into inorganic nutrients. Immobilization is the process by which nutrients are bound to soil particles and become unavailable to plants. Leaching is the process by which nutrients are washed out of soil by water. Uptake is the process by which plants take up nutrients from the soil. Translocation is the process by which nutrients are transported from roots to leaves. Assimilation is the process by which plants use nutrients to build new Tissues. Remobilization is the process by which nutrients are released from plant tissues and become available to other plants. Nutrient deficiency is a condition in which plants do not have enough of a particular nutrient. Nutrient toxicity is a condition in which plants have too much of a particular nutrient. Nutrient imbalance is a condition in which plants have too much or too little of one or more nutrients. Nutrient management is the process of ensuring that plants have the nutrients they need to grow. Fertilization is the process of adding nutrients to soil. Liming is the process of adding lime to soil to raise the pH. Amendments are materials that are added to soil to improve its fertility. Crop Rotation is the practice of growing different crops in the same field in different years. Cover crops are plants that are grown between rows of other crops to protect the soil and improve its fertility. Mulching is the practice of covering the soil with a layer of material such as straw or leaves to protect it from erosion and improve its fertility. Intercropping is the practice of growing two or more crops in the same field at the same time. Agroforestry is the practice of combining trees and crops in a way that benefits both. Soil conservation is the practice of protecting soil from erosion, degradation, and contamination. Tillage is the practice of breaking up the soil with a plow or other implement. Erosion control is the practice of preventing soil from being washed or blown away. Water management is the practice of managing water in a way that benefits plants and prevents soil erosion. Irrigation is the practice of applying water to soil to improve crop production. Drainage is the practice of removing excess water from soil to prevent waterlogging and erosion. Salinity control is the practice of preventing soil from becoming too salty. Soil remediation is the process of cleaning up contaminated soil. Soil Pollution is the contamination of soil with harmful substances. Soil contamination is the presence of harmful substances in soil. Soil erosion is the removal of soil from the land by wind or water. Soil degradation is the decline in the quality of soil. Soil conservation is the prevention of soil erosion, degradation, and contamination.
What is soil?
Soil is a mixture of minerals, organic matter, water, air, and living organisms. It is the foundation of life on Earth, providing plants with the nutrients they need to grow.
What are the different Types of Soil?
There are many different types of soil, but they can be broadly divided into three categories: sandy, loamy, and clayey. Sandy soils are loose and well-drained, but they do not hold nutrients well. Loamy soils are a good mix of sand, silt, and clay, and they are well-drained but also hold nutrients well. Clayey soils are dense and poorly drained, but they hold nutrients very well.
What are the factors that affect soil productivity?
The factors that affect soil productivity include the type of soil, the Climate, the management practices used, and the presence of pests and diseases.
What are the different ways to improve soil productivity?
There are many different ways to improve soil productivity, including adding organic matter, liming the soil, and fertilizing the soil.
What are the benefits of improving soil productivity?
Improving soil productivity can lead to increased crop yields, improved water quality, and reduced soil erosion.
What are the challenges of improving soil productivity?
The challenges of improving soil productivity include the cost of inputs, the time it takes to see results, and the need to manage pests and diseases.
What are the latest research findings on soil productivity?
The latest research findings on soil productivity suggest that organic matter is essential for maintaining soil Health and productivity. Organic matter helps to improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability.
What are the future trends in soil productivity?
The future trends in soil productivity are likely to be driven by the need to increase food production while also conserving natural Resources. This will require the development of new technologies and practices that can improve soil health and productivity while minimizing the use of inputs.
-
Which of the following is not a type of soil?
(A) Sandy soil
(B) Clay soil
(C) Loam soil
(D) Nutrient soil -
Which of the following is the most important factor in determining soil productivity?
(A) The type of soil
(B) The amount of rainfall
(C) The amount of sunlight
(D) The type of plants grown -
Which of the following is a nutrient that is essential for plant growth?
(A) Nitrogen
(B) Phosphorus
(C) Potassium
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is a way to improve soil productivity?
(A) Adding organic matter
(B) Adding fertilizer
(C) Rotating crops
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is a problem that can occur with soil that is not properly managed?
(A) Erosion
(B) Salinization
(C) Acidification
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is a way to prevent soil erosion?
(A) Planting trees
(B) Building terraces
(C) Using cover crops
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is a way to prevent salinization?
(A) Drainage
(B) Irrigation
(C) Crop rotation
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is a way to prevent acidification?
(A) Liming
(B) Adding organic matter
(C) Crop rotation
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is a way to improve soil health?
(A) Adding organic matter
(B) Adding fertilizer
(C) Rotating crops
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is a way to reduce soil pollution?
(A) Using less fertilizer
(B) Using less pesticides
(C) Properly disposing of waste
(D) All of the above