Soil Fertility

• How would a farmer collect a 'true' soil sample on his field?


  Walk across the farm in a 'W' shape with a soil auyer and take 15-20 samples.
• What is the purpose of a true sample?

  It truly reflects the soil's fertility.
• What 3 areas should be avoided when collecting a true soil sample?

  Poached areas, wetlands, and hedgerows.
• Why is nitrogen increased in soil?


  Nitrogen increases the % of protein / dry matter.
• Why shouldn't chemicals be used, in relation to health?

  It is a human health hazard as it can be cancer causing.
• Why shouldn't chemicals be used in relation to the environment?


  They can pollute waterways + air.
• How could chemicals negatively affect Ireland's export trades?

  Ireland's produce is viewed as natural, and with good animal welfare.
• How much of Ireland's produce is exported?

  90%.
• What is a biological method of improving soil fertility?


  Crop rotation.
• How does crop rotation improve soil fertility?

  It prevents exhaustion of the soil.
• What 4 factors of soil structure is improved due to crop rotation?


  Improved aeration, drainage, temperature + microorganisms.
• What are the advantages to crop rotation? (crops)


  Improved crop yield, improved crop quality, and prevents crop failure.
• What advantages does grass have in crop rotation?


  Prevents soil erosion, adds humus to the soil, binds soil particles together, improves soil structure, improves pH, improves earthworm poopulation, aeration, and drainage.
• How does the soil index value rank the fertility of soil? (1-5)


  1 = low fertility, 5 = high fertility.
• What does the soil index value rank?


  Soil fertility.