Spring 2002
Our new quiz tests your knowledge on soil
pH and conservation tillage issues…
So what's your final answer on soil
fertility? Is it a top priority in your crop production
system? Or are you "50-50" on this practice?
Read on to test how soil savvy you are and learn why
you should always consider proper soil fertility as a
strategic "lifeline" to success. You won't
strike a million overnight, but your crop will come out
a winner.
|
Q - The desirable
___ for optimum plant growth varies among crops, but many
grow well in the 6.0 - 7.0 range. |
a.
Richter scale rating
b.
pH range
c.
Decibel |
Q - The
amount of rain you get can really affect pH! Soils formed
under conditions of high annual rainfall are more ___ than
are soils formed under more arid conditions. |
a.
Soggy
b.
Acid
c.
Basic |
Q - You'll
have to dig deep for the answer to this question: Is the
pH of the topsoil usually representative of that of the
subsoil? |
a.
Yes
b.
No |
Q - Don't fret! You
can correct soil acidity by the use of ___. |
a.
The Sorcerer's Stone
b.
A positive attitude
c.
Lime |
Q - Which is not a
Conservation Tillage Practice that focuses on managing
crop residues? |
a.
No-till
b.
Mulch-till
c.
Ridge-till
d.
Moldboard plowing |
Q - Conservation
tillage is defined by the CTIC as any tillage and planting
system that covers ___ percent or more of the soil surface
with crop residue, after planting, to reduce soil erosion
by water. |
a.
25%
b.
30%
c.
50% |
Q - Careful… this
is a two-part question: In a conservation tillage system,
spring soil temperatures are usually ___ compared to other
tillage systems due to ____. |
a.
Higher; global warming.
b.
Higher; the insulating effect of residue cover.
c.
Lower; the insulating effect of residue cover. |
Q - Conservation
tillage systems also affect the amount of water stored
in the soil profile. What do you think happens to the amount
of water stored? |
a.
Disappears
b.
Decreases
c.
Increases |
Q - True of false?
The distribution of fertilizer applications may need to
change under different tillage systems. |
a.
True
b.
False |
Q - In a conservation
tillage program, lime recommendations typically should
be ___ . |
a.
Ignored
b.
Increased by 100%
c.
Reduced by 50%
|
