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sfg Flashcards

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1
Q

What is the Agricultural Capability Classification system?

A

A Canadian land classification system used to evaluate the potential of land for agricultural production based on soil properties, drainage, landscape position, erosion risk, water availability, and other environmental limitations.

This system helps in assessing land suitability for crop production.

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2
Q

What organization developed the Agricultural Capability Classification system?

A

The system is part of the Canada Land Inventory (CLI).

CLI aims to provide comprehensive information about land resources in Canada.

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3
Q

What is the main purpose of Agricultural Capability Classification?

A

To determine how suitable land is for crop production under dryland (non-irrigated) farming conditions.

This classification helps in making informed agricultural decisions.

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4
Q

Why does Agricultural Capability Classification not apply to irrigated land?

A

Because irrigation removes natural water limitations, which changes the agricultural capability of the soil.

This distinction is crucial for accurate land assessment.

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5
Q

How many agricultural capability classes exist in the Canadian system?

A

Seven classes, ranging from Class 1 to Class 7.

Each class indicates different levels of land suitability for agriculture.

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6
Q

What does Class 1 agricultural land represent?

A

Land with no significant limitations for crop production and considered the best land for agriculture.

This class is ideal for a variety of crops.

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7
Q

What are the characteristics of Class 2 agricultural land?

A

Land with slight limitations that reduce crop choice or require minor conservation practices.

This class is still highly productive.

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8
Q

What are the characteristics of Class 3 agricultural land?

A

Land with moderate limitations that restrict crop choice or require moderate conservation practices.

This class may require more management than Class 1 or 2.

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9
Q

Which agricultural capability classes are considered prime agricultural land?

A
  • Classes 1
  • Classes 2
  • Classes 3

These classes are most suitable for intensive agriculture.

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10
Q

What defines Class 4 agricultural land?

A

Land with significant limitations that restrict crop choice and require special management practices.

Management practices may include erosion control.

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11
Q

Give examples of management practices needed for Class 4 land.

A
  • Erosion control
  • Reduced tillage
  • Careful crop management

These practices help mitigate limitations.

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12
Q

What defines Class 5 agricultural land?

A

Land with very severe limitations, often unsuitable for cultivated crops but usable for pasture or forage.

This class is less productive for crops.

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13
Q

What defines Class 6 agricultural land?

A

Land with extremely severe limitations that make it unsuitable for crop production and mainly useful for grazing.

This land is primarily for livestock.

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14
Q

What defines Class 7 agricultural land?

A

Land with no capability for agricultural crop production and only suitable for natural vegetation.

This class is not suitable for farming.

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15
Q

What are subclass limitations in agricultural capability classification?

A

Letters added to the class number that identify the main limitation affecting the land.

These subclasses provide more detailed information about land conditions.

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16
Q

What does the subclass letter M represent?

A

Moisture limitation due to insufficient water availability.

Common in sandy soils or soils with low water-holding capacity.

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17
Q

What does the subclass letter W represent?

A

Excess water due to poor drainage or a high water table.

Conditions causing this include flooding and water seepage.

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18
Q

What does the subclass letter T represent?

A

Topographic limitations caused by slope or uneven terrain.

Topography can increase erosion risk.

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19
Q

What does the subclass letter E represent?

A

Erosion caused by wind or water that removes productive topsoil.

Erosion negatively impacts soil productivity.

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20
Q

What does the subclass letter N represent?

A

Salinity, meaning excess salt in the soil.

High salinity levels can limit plant growth.

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21
Q

What does the subclass letter P represent?

A

Stoniness, meaning excessive rocks in the soil.

Stoniness can interfere with farming operations.

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22
Q

What does the subclass letter R represent?

A

Shallow bedrock that restricts root growth and soil depth.

This limitation affects crop production.

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23
Q

What are soil maps used for in agriculture?

A

To identify soil types, agricultural capability, drainage characteristics, and soil properties.

These maps assist in land management decisions.

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24
Q

What is AgriMaps?

A

A Canadian soil mapping tool that provides information about soil series, agricultural capability, soil texture, and drainage.

It is a valuable resource for farmers.

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25
What is a **soil series**?
A classification of soils that share similar characteristics and formation processes. ## Footnote Soil series help in understanding soil behavior.
26
Why are **soil maps** important for farmers?
They help farmers make better management decisions about crops, fertilization, and drainage. ## Footnote Informed decisions lead to better crop yields.
27
What is a **Nitisol**?
A tropical soil type characterized by deep red color and good fertility when phosphorus is added. ## Footnote Nitisols are commonly found in tropical regions.
28
What is **Newdale soil**?
A soil series declared the official soil of Manitoba in 2009. ## Footnote This designation highlights its significance.
29
What are the **three main components** of soil?
* Solids * Pore spaces * Living organisms ## Footnote These components interact to support plant growth.
30
What materials make up the **solid portion** of soil?
* Mineral particles * Organic matter ## Footnote These materials provide nutrients for plants.
31
What are **soil pores**?
Spaces between soil particles that contain air or water. ## Footnote Pore spaces are crucial for root health.
32
Why are **pore spaces** important in soil?
They allow movement and storage of air and water needed by plant roots. ## Footnote Adequate air and water are essential for plant growth.
33
What happens when soil becomes fully saturated with water?
Oxygen is removed from pore spaces, causing root suffocation. ## Footnote This condition can lead to plant stress or death.
34
What is the approximate maximum **water capacity** of soil?
Around 50% of the soil volume. ## Footnote This capacity is crucial for optimal plant growth.
35
Why is **water** considered the most limiting factor in Prairie agriculture?
Because precipitation is often insufficient or inconsistent for optimal crop growth. ## Footnote Water management is critical in these regions.
36
How much water do plants typically use to produce **1 gram of dry matter**?
Approximately 400 to 1000 grams of water. ## Footnote This ratio highlights the importance of water in plant growth.
37
How much water is required to produce **45 bushels per acre of wheat**?
About 4,687,500 kg of water or roughly 469 mm. ## Footnote This illustrates the significant water needs of crops.
38
What is the average annual **precipitation** in Winnipeg?
Approximately 500 mm per year. ## Footnote This amount influences agricultural practices in the region.
39
Why is **water management** critical in Prairie agriculture?
Because crop water requirements nearly equal annual precipitation. ## Footnote Effective management can enhance crop yields.
40
What role does **water** play in photosynthesis?
It provides hydrogen and oxygen used in the formation of glucose. ## Footnote Water is essential for plant energy production.
41
What percentage of plant water use is directly used in **photosynthesis**?
Only about 0.01%. ## Footnote Most water is used for other physiological processes.
42
What is **transpiration**?
The loss of water vapor from plant leaves through stomata. ## Footnote Transpiration helps regulate plant temperature.
43
Why is **transpiration** important for plants?
It cools the plant and helps move water through the plant. ## Footnote This process is vital for maintaining plant health.
44
What is **turgor pressure**?
Pressure inside plant cells created by water that keeps plants upright. ## Footnote Turgor pressure is essential for plant structure.
45
What happens when plants lose **turgor pressure**?
Plants wilt. ## Footnote Wilting indicates a lack of water availability.
46
How does water function in **nutrient transport** within plants?
It dissolves and transports minerals and organic compounds through the vascular system. ## Footnote This transport is crucial for plant nutrition.
47
Why is water considered a **polar molecule**?
Because oxygen carries a slight negative charge and hydrogen carries a slight positive charge. ## Footnote Polarity affects water's behavior in soil.
48
Why is **polarity** important for water in soil?
It allows water to dissolve nutrients and stick to soil particles. ## Footnote This property enhances nutrient availability for plants.
49
What are **hydrogen bonds**?
Weak attractions between the positive hydrogen of one water molecule and the negative oxygen of another. ## Footnote These bonds contribute to water's unique properties.
50
What is **cohesion**?
The attraction between water molecules. ## Footnote Cohesion is essential for water movement in plants.
51
What does **cohesion** allow in plants?
Continuous water movement through the plant vascular system. ## Footnote This movement is vital for nutrient transport.
52
What is **adhesion**?
The attraction between water molecules and other surfaces. ## Footnote Adhesion helps water move through soil.
53
What surfaces does water commonly adhere to in soil?
* Soil particles * Plant tissues ## Footnote This adherence is important for water retention.
54
What is **capillary action**?
The movement of water through small pores due to cohesion and adhesion. ## Footnote Capillary action is crucial for water availability to plants.
55
What is **hygroscopic water**?
A thin film of water tightly bound to soil particles and unavailable to plants. ## Footnote This water cannot be absorbed by plant roots.
56
What is **capillary water**?
Water held in small soil pores that plants can absorb. ## Footnote This water is essential for plant growth.
57
What is **gravitational water**?
Free water that drains through soil due to gravity. ## Footnote This water is usually unavailable to plants.
58
Why is **gravitational water** usually unavailable to plants?
Because it drains quickly from large soil pores. ## Footnote Plants cannot utilize this water effectively.
59
What is **field capacity**?
The amount of water remaining in soil after excess gravitational water has drained. ## Footnote Field capacity is optimal for plant growth.
60
Why is **field capacity** important for plant growth?
It represents optimal soil moisture conditions. ## Footnote Adequate moisture is crucial for healthy plants.
61
What is the **permanent wilting point**?
The soil moisture level at which plants cannot extract water and permanently wilt. ## Footnote This point indicates critical water stress.
62
What is **available water** in soil?
The water held between field capacity and the permanent wilting point. ## Footnote This water is accessible for plant use.
63
What is **infiltration**?
The rate at which water enters the soil surface. ## Footnote Infiltration affects water availability for crops.
64
What happens if **infiltration** is slow?
Water accumulates on the soil surface, causing ponding. ## Footnote Ponding can lead to waterlogging.
65
What is **matric flow**?
Movement of water through unsaturated soil from wetter areas to drier areas. ## Footnote This flow is driven by differences in water potential.
66
What drives **matric flow**?
Differences in water potential. ## Footnote This process helps redistribute moisture in the soil.
67
What is **capillary rise**?
The upward movement of water from the water table through small soil pores. ## Footnote Capillary rise is essential for accessing groundwater.
68
What is the **vadose zone**?
The portion of soil above the water table that is not fully saturated. ## Footnote This zone is crucial for understanding groundwater interactions.
69
What is the **water table**?
The level below which soil is completely saturated with water. ## Footnote The water table fluctuates with precipitation and evaporation.
70
What are the characteristics of **clay soils**?
* Very small particles * Small pores * Slow drainage * High water retention ## Footnote These characteristics can lead to waterlogging.
71
What problems are associated with **clay soils**?
* Waterlogging * Poor drainage ## Footnote These issues can hinder agricultural productivity.
72
What are the characteristics of **sandy soils**?
* Large particles * Large pores * Rapid drainage * Low water-holding capacity ## Footnote Sandy soils are less fertile due to quick nutrient leaching.
73
Why do **sandy soils** lose nutrients easily?
Because water moves quickly through them, causing nutrient leaching. ## Footnote This can lead to lower crop yields.
74
What soil structures promote good **water movement**?
* Granular * Blocky ## Footnote These structures enhance drainage and aeration.
75
What soil structures restrict **water movement**?
* Platy * Prismatic * Columnar * Massive ## Footnote These structures can lead to poor drainage.
76
What is **nutrient leaching**?
The movement of dissolved nutrients downward through soil with water. ## Footnote Leaching can deplete soil fertility.
77
Which nutrient is especially vulnerable to **leaching**?
Nitrate nitrogen. ## Footnote Nitrate leaching can lead to environmental issues.
78
What health problem can **nitrate contamination** in groundwater cause?
Methemoglobinemia, also known as blue baby syndrome. ## Footnote This condition affects infants and can be serious.
79
What is **surface drainage**?
Removal of excess water from soil surfaces through channels or ditches. ## Footnote This practice helps prevent waterlogging.
80
What is a **V-Wing Terraformer**?
A machine used to create surface drainage channels in fields. ## Footnote This equipment is essential for effective water management.
81
What is **subsurface tile drainage**?
An underground pipe system that removes excess water from soil. ## Footnote This system improves soil conditions for crops.
82
How deep are **tile drainage pipes** typically buried?
About 2–4 feet deep. ## Footnote This depth ensures effective drainage.
83
How far apart are **tile drainage pipes** usually spaced?
About 25–60 meters apart. ## Footnote Proper spacing is crucial for effective drainage.
84
What are the benefits of **tile drainage**?
* Lower water tables * Improved oxygen levels * Deeper root growth * Better crop yields ## Footnote These benefits enhance agricultural productivity.
85
What is **soil organic matter**?
Organic material in soil derived from plant residues, animal residues, and microorganisms at various stages of decomposition. ## Footnote Soil organic matter is vital for soil health.
86
What percentage of **soil organic matter** is fresh residue?
Less than about 10%. ## Footnote Fresh residue contributes to soil fertility.
87
What is **fresh residue**?
Recently dead plant material such as leaves, stubble, and roots. ## Footnote This material is important for organic matter content.
88
What percentage of **soil organic matter** is decomposing material?
About 33–50%. ## Footnote Decomposing material is actively broken down by soil organisms.
89
What is the **active fraction** of soil organic matter?
Decomposing organic matter that microbes are currently breaking down. ## Footnote This fraction is crucial for nutrient cycling.
90
What is **humus**?
Stabilized organic matter that is highly decomposed and resistant to further breakdown. ## Footnote Humus improves soil structure and fertility.
91
How long can **humus** remain in soil?
About 100–1000 years. ## Footnote This longevity contributes to soil health.
92
What percentage of **nitrogen** does humus contain?
About 5%. ## Footnote Nitrogen is essential for plant growth.
93
What percentage of **soil organic matter** consists of living organisms?
Less than about 5%. ## Footnote Living organisms play a key role in soil health.
94
How many organisms can exist in a **tablespoon of soil**?
More organisms than there are people on Earth. ## Footnote This biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem functioning.
95
How much living biomass may exist in one **hectare of soil**?
About 22,000 kg of living organisms. ## Footnote This biomass contributes to soil fertility.
96
How much soil can **earthworms** move per hectare each year?
Around 37 tonnes. ## Footnote Earthworms enhance soil structure and aeration.
97
What are **macro-organisms** in soil?
Organisms larger than 2 mm such as earthworms, ants, beetles, and spiders. ## Footnote These organisms contribute to soil health.
98
What are **meso-organisms** in soil?
Organisms between 0.1 and 2 mm such as mites and springtails. ## Footnote Meso-organisms play roles in decomposition.
99
What are **microorganisms** in soil?
Organisms smaller than 0.1 mm such as bacteria, fungi, algae, and nematodes. ## Footnote Microorganisms are essential for nutrient cycling.
100
What do **bacteria** primarily decompose?
Simple organic materials. ## Footnote Bacteria are crucial for breaking down easily accessible nutrients.
101
When do **soil bacteria** become active?
When temperature, moisture, and nutrients are favorable. ## Footnote Their activity is vital for soil health.
102
What do **fungi** specialize in decomposing?
Complex plant materials such as cellulose and lignin. ## Footnote Fungi play a key role in breaking down tough organic matter.
103
What is the role of **soil organisms** in nutrient cycling?
They break down organic matter and release nutrients for plant use. ## Footnote This process is essential for maintaining soil fertility.
104
What are **crop residues**?
Plant materials left in the field after harvest such as stems, leaves, and roots. ## Footnote Crop residues contribute to soil organic matter.
105
Why are **crop roots** important for soil organic matter?
They contribute significant organic carbon below ground. ## Footnote Roots enhance soil structure and fertility.
106
How does **soil organic matter** affect water holding capacity?
It increases the soil's ability to retain water like a sponge. ## Footnote This retention is crucial for plant health.
107
How does **soil organic matter** affect nutrient availability?
It stores nutrients and releases them slowly through decomposition. ## Footnote This slow release is beneficial for plants.
108
Why is **soil organic matter** important for microbial life?
It provides food and habitat for soil organisms. ## Footnote Healthy microbial populations are essential for soil health.
109
How does **soil organic matter** contribute to carbon storage?
It stores carbon in soil, reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. ## Footnote This process helps mitigate climate change.
110
How much **soil organic matter** has been lost in Western Canadian soils since cultivation?
Approximately 11–59%. ## Footnote This loss impacts soil health and productivity.
111
What are major causes of **soil organic matter loss**?
* Intensive tillage * Erosion * Removal of crop residues ## Footnote These practices can degrade soil quality.
112
How can farmers increase **soil organic matter**?
* Increasing carbon inputs * Reducing carbon losses ## Footnote These strategies enhance soil fertility.
113
What farming practices increase **carbon inputs**?
* High-residue crops * Perennial forages * Adding manure or compost ## Footnote These practices improve soil organic matter.
114
What farming practices reduce **carbon loss**?
* Reduced tillage * Erosion control ## Footnote These practices help maintain soil health.
115
What is **no-till agriculture**?
A farming practice where soil is not disturbed by plowing. ## Footnote This method helps preserve soil structure.
116
What are benefits of **no-till farming**?
* Higher soil organic matter * Better soil structure * Reduced erosion ## Footnote These benefits enhance agricultural sustainability.
117
What are **cover crops**?
Crops planted to protect and improve soil rather than for harvest. ## Footnote Cover crops enhance soil health and prevent erosion.
118
What are examples of **cover crops**?
* Fall rye * Radish ## Footnote These crops improve soil structure and organic matter.
119
What are the benefits of **cover crops**?
* Improved soil structure * Increased organic matter * Erosion protection ## Footnote These benefits contribute to sustainable agriculture.
120
What are **shelterbelts**?
Rows of trees planted across fields to reduce wind speed and trap snow. ## Footnote Shelterbelts help conserve soil moisture.
121
How do **shelterbelts** improve soil moisture?
They trap snow that later melts and adds water to the soil. ## Footnote This process enhances water availability for crops.
122
What are **snow ridges**?
Ridges built across fields to trap blowing snow. ## Footnote Snow ridges help increase soil moisture.
123
How much additional moisture can **snow ridges** add?
Approximately 30–60 mm of water equivalent. ## Footnote This moisture is beneficial for crop growth.
124
What crops commonly require **irrigation** in Manitoba?
Potatoes used for french fry production. ## Footnote Irrigation is essential for maintaining yields in certain crops.
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