PLANT GROWTH FCHP Chapter 3 HOS1010C - Introduction to Horticulture

3.1 Describe the role of soil in plant growth Soil is composed of: * ______________ material - rock * ______________ matter (OM) - decaying plant and animal life, animal excretion and other living organisms * _________ * _________ organisms

3.1 Describe the role of soil in plant growth Organic Matter improves… * ___________________ holding capacity; * ___________________; * granulation; * supports ________________ life and other organisms that make ______________ available to plants.

3.1 Describe the role of soil in plant growth Bacteria and Fungi… * exist/live off plant and animal ______________ * most are ______________ to plants * ____________ complex organic ____________ in to simpler chemicals that plants can use. * some may be harmful and cause plant __________

3.2 Name the desired characteristics of soils or growing media. Most Florida soils are ____________ textured mineral soils. Texture refers to the ______ of individual inorganic soil particles. Sand (____________) Silt (____________) Clay (____________)

3.2 Name the desired characteristics of soils or growing media. Characteristics of ____________ soils… _________ water percolation hold ________ nutrients poor ________ and ________ (small pore space)

3.2 Name the desired characteristics of soils or growing media. Ideal soil / growing media combines… drainage and aeration of a ______________ soil water and nutrient holding capacity of a ______ textured soil Ideal soil… Mineral Matter (inorganic) 45% Organic Matter 5% Air25% Water25% These characteristics are often present in a ________ soil, which are not common in ________.

3.3 Describe the importance of organic matter in soils. Organic matter is often considered the ________ _______________ soil amendment. Recommended organic materials for soil modification: ________, sphagnum peat, ________, wood chips, _____________ and wood shavings, green manure OM should be applied at depth of ________ inches and incorporated in to the top ________ of the soil.

3.4 Explain the importance of soil pH in growing plants. pH is a measure of the ___________ (H+) concentration of the soil (soil solution). pH refers to the ________ (sour) or ______________ (sweetness) of the soil. pH is measured on a scale of ________. Less than (<) 7.0 is ________. Greater than (>) 7.0 is ________ (or alkaline). 7.0 is ___________.

3.4 Explain the importance of soil pH in growing plants. pH affects the ability of plants to ___________ nutrients. Most plants grow best in a pH range of ________ or ______________________. Some plants do best in a more acidic soil (___________, gardenia, ixora) Figure III-3 on page III-5 in FNGLA Manual show pH ranges for various plants.

3.4 Explain the importance of soil pH in growing plants. Well-drained ________ soils, low pine ___________ and organic soils are typically ________ in Florida. pH can be raised by adding ________. Many soils in extreme south Florida and along ________ areas are alkaline (high pH). Many pesticides, herbicides, insecticides and liquid ____________ perform best with a water pH of ________ Test your soil _________ (with your ___________ water)

3.5 Describe the procedure for taking a soil sample. 1.Take a composite sample: ________ small holes spread throughout the area. 2.Carefully pull back mulch, grass, groundcovers to expose the ________ soil. 3.Use a small trowel to dig holes ________ deep. 4.Remove a slice of soil from the side of the hole that is ________ thick and ________ deep. 5.Combine and mix the samples in a bucket. 6.Send soil samples immediately to ______________ or a _____________ lab. 7.Collect samples about __________ prior to spring fertilization.

3.6 Name the materials that may be used to raise pH and explain why it may be difficult to lower the pH in some soils. If lime is needed, the amount depends on: 1.______________ 2.______________ capacity of the soil Buffering capacity - the capacity to ________ a change in pH; related to the amount of _______, ________ and ________ in the soil. The more of these, the _____________ the buffering capacity.

3.6 Name the materials that may be used to raise pH and explain why it may be difficult to lower the pH in some soils. RAISE pH… Crushed agricultural ___________ or dolomite are typically used to raise pH Lime should be applied before planting and incorporated into the top 6-inches of the soil.

3.6 Name the materials that may be used to raise pH and explain why it may be difficult to lower the pH in some soils. LOWER pH… Strongly alkaline soils from limerock or shell are almost impossible to lower pH. The acidifier makes limerock and shell soluable and neutralizes the acidifier. If over-liming is the cause, pH correction is possible. Limerock should not be used in flower beds as a decorative rock (use other rocks). Wettable/dusting sulfur or Iron sulfate can be used to lower pH.

3.6 Name the materials that may be used to raise pH and explain why it may be difficult to lower the pH in some soils. pH affects the availability of plant nutrients…

3.7 Using references, determine the kind of material and amount to apply, in a given situation, to change the pH. Sandy soil, low organic matter content… How many 25 lb. bags of dolomite would you need to on a 2,000 sq. ft. garden? (FCHP page III-6; Figure III-4) Sandy soil, low organic matter content… How many lbs. of iron sulfate on a 2,000 sq. ft. garden? (FCHP page III-6)

PLANT GROWTH FCHP Chapter 3 HOS1010C - Introduction to Horticulture TO BE CONTINUED…