Article listing for:
Soils, Nutrition and Fertilisers
| If a soil is too acid or alkaline, its pH can be increased by adding lime or decreased by adding sulfur. The amount of lime or sulfur needed depends on soil texture, organic matter, material used, and how much the pH is to be changed. Ground limestone, consisting of calcium carbonate or calcium magnesium carbonate (dolomite) is used to increase soi... |  |
| The usefulness of animals to the soil is essentially inversely proportional to their size. The more important animals are: insects, worms, protozoa, and nematodes. A wide range of insects and spiders chew and move organic matter into the soil. Microflora in the soil include: algae, bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi.... | |
| To produce a mix that gives the growth rate required while keeping to a minimum the costs of producing it and maintaining the growth of plants.
A high quality growing mix is vital to the success of the growth of potted plants.
Choosing the right mix is also dependent on the size and type of plant material that is being grown in a nursery situatio... | |
| Composition (npk) of compost ingredients including Alfalfa Hay,
Apple pomace, Apple skins (ash),
Apple, leaves, Beet wastes, Banana skins (ash), Castro bean pomace, Corn cob ash, Coffee grounds, Cocoa shell dust, Dried
jellyfish, Eggs, Fresh water mud,
Fish scrap (fresh), Field bean (seed), Lobster shells, Milk, Oak leaves, Oats, grain, Pota... | |
| Field texture assessment is a qualitative method of determining soil texture and relies on the `feel' technique. It is actually possible with a little practice to put a soil into one of several classes by this technique. Once proficient in the method, the only thing likely to upset the result is the presence of large amounts of O.M. If only ... | |
| Sand are large particles (2mm - 0.02mm), Sand acts as the framework for the active particles, i.e.: silts (fine) and clay. Silts are formed by physical weathering. The clay fraction differs from the sands and silts in that it is composed predominantly of minerals formed as products of secondary weathering.
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| Fertilisers can be applied in a variety of ways. Broadcast on the soil surface, placed in holes in the soil, injected into the soil in solution under pressure, sprayed on foliage, injected into or placed in holes in tree trunks. The appropriate method will depend on the nutrients applied, equipment available, other plants in the area, nature and sl... | |
| The effect of fertilisers on seed germination is a very important factor in Australia. When toxic materials such as urea are being used, serious germination damage can result. Separation of seed from fertiliser by as little as 2 - 3cm. Can be sufficient to prevent germination injury. Factors affecting seed germination damage from fertiliser: Ferti... | |
| Nitrogen is the main nutrient in a turf grass fertility program with the exception of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Colour turns yellow/green, this condition is called chlorosis. Before fertilising, check for any pest or stress. Density should also be considered. Fertiliser application rates and the number of applications are determined by many fact... | |
| Chemicals or nutrients that plants require to maintain healthy growth – plant food. The major chemical elements that plants require are
Nitrogen (N),Phosphorus (P)
Potassium (K). Nitrogen for leaf growth, Phosphorus for root development, Potassium for fruit and flower development. The best fertilisers have a balanced ratio of NPK with trace el... | |
