What are the primary macronutrients that plants need for growth?
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By mastering this deck, you will understand the mechanisms of nutrient uptake, the role of different soil types in plant health, and the significance of symbiotic relationships such as mycorrhizae, enabling you to analyze plant growth conditions and improve agricultural practices.
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| 1 | What are the primary macronutrients that plants need for growth? |
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Understand how plants absorb nutrients, soil types, and the importance of symbiosis like mycorrhizae.
The primary macronutrients are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). |
| Think of NPK in fertilizer labels |
| 2 | How do plants primarily absorb nutrients from the soil? | Plants absorb nutrients mainly through their root hairs via active transport and diffusion processes. | Roots act like nutrient filters |
| 3 | What is the role of root hairs in nutrient absorption? | Root hairs increase the surface area of roots, enhancing the plant's ability to absorb water and nutrients from the soil. | Think of root hairs as tiny extensions for better reach |
| 4 | Name three common soil types and a key characteristic of each. | Sandy soil (drains quickly), clay soil (retains water and nutrients), loamy soil (well-drained and nutrient-rich). | Remember: sand is coarse, clay is fine, loam is balanced |
| 5 | Why is soil pH important for plant nutrition? | Soil pH affects nutrient availability; most plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH (6-7). | Think of pH as a nutrient gatekeeper |
| 6 | What is the process called when nitrogen gas is converted into forms usable by plants? | Nitrogen fixation, carried out by bacteria such as Rhizobium in legume roots or free-living bacteria. | Fixing nitrogen is like converting gas to usable fertilizer |
| 7 | What are mycorrhizae, and why are they important for plant nutrition? | Mycorrhizae are symbiotic associations between fungi and plant roots that enhance nutrient and water absorption. | Fungi act as extensions of roots |
| 8 | Which nutrients are typically supplied by mycorrhizal fungi? | Phosphorus and micronutrients like zinc and copper. | Fungi help plants access less mobile nutrients |
| 9 | Describe how mycorrhizal fungi benefit both the plant and the fungus. | The plant provides the fungus with carbohydrates, while the fungus enhances nutrient and water uptake for the plant. | Mutualism: both parties benefit |
| 10 | What is chemosynthesis in relation to soil microbes and nutrient cycling? | Chemosynthesis is the process by which some microbes produce energy by oxidizing inorganic substances, contributing to nutrient cycling in soil. | Microbes that 'breathe' inorganic molecules |
| 11 | How does organic matter in soil influence plant nutrition? | Organic matter improves soil structure, water retention, and supplies nutrients through decomposition. | Organic matter is like plant nutrition insurance |
| 12 | What is leaching, and how does it affect nutrient availability? | Leaching is the loss of nutrients from the soil due to water movement, which can reduce nutrient availability for plants. | Think of nutrients being washed away |
| 13 | How do legumes enhance soil fertility naturally? | Legumes host nitrogen-fixing bacteria in root nodules, increasing soil nitrogen content. | Legumes are nature's fertilizer producers |
| 14 | What is the significance of cation exchange capacity (CEC) in soils? | CEC indicates the soil's ability to hold and exchange cations (positively charged ions), affecting nutrient retention. | A higher CEC means better nutrient holding capacity |
| 15 | How can soil compaction negatively impact plant nutrition? | Soil compaction reduces pore space, limiting root growth and reducing water and nutrient uptake. | Compacted soil is like a packed suitcase—hard for roots to penetrate |
| 16 | What are biofertilizers, and give an example relevant to plant nutrition? | Biofertilizers are preparations containing living microorganisms that enhance nutrient availability, such as Rhizobium bacteria for nitrogen fixation. | Nature's fertilizers |
| 17 | How does acidic soil affect nutrient availability to plants? | Highly acidic soils can lead to toxic metals and reduce availability of nutrients like phosphorus and calcium. | Too acidic? Think of nutrient lock-up |
| 18 | What role do soil microbes play in nutrient cycling? | Soil microbes decompose organic matter, fix nitrogen, solubilize minerals, and convert nutrients into forms accessible to plants. | Microbes are the soil's recycling team |
| 19 | Explain the concept of phosphorus fixation in soils. | Phosphorus fixation occurs when phosphorus reacts with soil minerals, making it insoluble and less available to plants. | Phosphorus can get 'locked up' in soil |
| 20 | Describe how irrigation practices can influence soil nutrient levels. | Over-irrigation can cause leaching of nutrients, while insufficient watering can limit nutrient mobility and uptake. | Balance is key in watering |
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