Deck 3

Question 1

What elements are always present in a soil solution?

Answer 1

• H+ and OH-

Question 2

define Soil pH:

Answer 2

Soil pH is a measure of Hydrogen ion (H+) in the soil solution.

Question 3

A soil is acidic if there are most ____ ions in the solution

Answer 3

H+ (Hydrogen)

Question 4

If a soil solution is more alkaline, it has more _____ ions in it.

Answer 4

OH- (Hydroxide)

Question 5

What is the main factor that determines what your soil pH will be?

Answer 5

Annual Rainfall

Question 6

explain why areas that receive more rainfall (>30 inches) will have a more acidic soil (lower pH)….

Answer 6

• The alkaline elements in soil are rapidly replaced by H+ ions from the water and are leached deeper into the soil
• This observation leads to acid soils

Question 7

What is a calcareous soil?

How does it affect the soil pH?

Answer 7

• Soils that are high in calcium carbonate
• The calcium carbonate slowly breaks down and causes the soils to stay alkaline. even in regions that receive a lot of rainfall.

Question 8

Limestone ______ pH.

Answer 8

Increases

Question 9

How do low (acidic soils) affect plant growth?

Answer 9

• Under low pH (<5) certain chemicals (Al, Mn) become more soluble and can be sufficiently high in soil solution to cause direct root toxicity.
• Bacterial populations are suppressed under acidic conditions which in turn means that there is less plant available nitrogen because they arent around to break it down.

Question 11

Most root fungi are more severe in Alkaline or Acidic conditions?

Answer 11

Alkaline

Question 12

why should we be mostly concerned about having acidic soils as opposed to alkaline?

Answer 12

the more acidic the soil is, the less available macronutrients are

Question 13

limestone is used to _____ pH.

Answer 13

Increase

Question 14

Safe application rates of CaCO3 (Calcium Carbonate) include _____ lbs per 1000 sq ft.

Answer 14

25-50

Question 15

On putting greens or fine turfgrass make applications….what is the reccommended amout of Calcium Carbonate to put down per application?

Answer 15

< 25 lbs per 1000 sq ft.

Question 16

What is the primary issue with acidic thatch?

Answer 16

• Low microbial populations of bacteria and actinomycetes within the thatch.
• These are important for thatch breakdown
• Thus at low pH the thatch of the turf can build up quickly

Question 17

What are some factors that influence acidic thatch?

Answer 17

• – Rainfall
• – pH and composition of irrigation water including effluent
• – Types of fertilizers used
• – Recent lime or sulfur applications