PLANT GROWTH FCHP Chapter 3 - Part 2 HOS1010C - Introduction to Horticulture

3.8 Describe the difference between macronutrients and micronutrients There are ____ essential elements (or nutrients) Plants get them from _______, water and the soil ______________. Plants absorb elements in a _______________ form (CO 2 ) not in the pure form (Carbon - C).

3.8 Describe the difference between macronutrients and micronutrients ______________ are needed in large amounts by plants and are derived from air and water. The 3 macronutrients needed by plants the most are: - _____________ - C - _____________ - H - _____________ - O The product of photosynthesis is C 6 H 12 O 6 (sugar or plant food).

3.8 Describe the difference between macronutrients and micronutrients The remaining 13 elements are obtained from the ___________ (or fertilized soil) when the pH is in the proper range. 6 of these are “___________________”: -Nitrogen - N, Phosphorus - P, and Potassium - K (These are called ____________ elements because they are most often applied in fertilizers) -Calcium - C, Magnesium - Mg and Sulfur - S

3.8 Describe the difference between macronutrients and micronutrients The 7 remaining elements are __________________: -Boron (B), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn) and Molybdenum (Mo), Zinc (Zn) and Chlorine (Cl) Remember, although they are micro-nutrients, they are still “_____________________” for plants! Mnemonic device: C HOPKNS CaFe Mg B Mn CuZn Mo Cl Refer to page III-9 and III-10 for more details on the essential elements.

3.9 Name the primary fertilizer elements. Given the analysis of a fertilizer, determine how much (N) is in a given amount of that fertilizer. _______________ are organic or inorganic materials added to soil to supply nutrients (elements) to plants. The law designates (N), (P) and (K) as “____________ Nutrients”. They are always listed on fertilizer tags in that order as a percentage of the ______________ of the material in the bag (or container). How many pounds of (N) are in a 50-lb. bag of fertilizer? How much phosphorus? How much potassium?

3.10 Name the factors, other than the primary fertilizer content, that add to the cost and value of fertilizer. _____________________ characteristics - extend the time that fertilizer remains effective in the soil. Presence of ____________________ - to supply an important plant need Whether the fertilizer is _____________ - formed as BB-sized balls; cleaner and easy to spread.

3.11 Explain the importance of the Florida Fertilizer Label and understand changes to urban turf labels. Labeling of materials sold as fertilizers is regulated by the Florida __________________________________. The specific information and format required makes fertilizer labels _____________________. The _____________________ (N-P-K percentages) are a guarantee of minimum weights of the element or compound present. Fertilizer laws protect _____________ and manufacturers! See Figure III-7 on page III-11 for a sample label.

3.11 Explain the importance of the Florida Fertilizer Label and understand changes to urban turf labels. In 2007 changes were made to the rules for fertilizers labeled for urban turf, sports turf and lawns. PHOSPHORUS Shall be “____ phosphate” or “______ phosphate”. Shall have label restrictions for the application of (___). Phosphate below ____% are “no phosphate” and are intended for established turf or lawns. Phosphate at 0.5% or higher are “low phosphate” and are for ____ (less than 12 months) or established turf.

3.11 Explain the importance of the Florida Fertilizer Label and understand changes to urban turf labels. Nitrogen Shall not be applied at rate of more than ____ lbs of “___________ available” (N) per 1,000 sq. ft. at any one time. Shall not be applied at rate of 1 lb. “_________” (N) per 1,000 sq. ft. at any one time. The following MUST appear conspicuously on retail bags of fertilizer: “Do not apply near ________, storm drains or drainage ditches. Do not apply if heavy ________ is expected. Apply this product only to your lawn/garden, and __________ any product that lands on the driveway, sidewalk or street back onto your lawn/garden.”

3.12 Using references, make fertilizer recommendations for ornamental plants, turfgrasses and palms. Include: when, what fertilizer, how much and how often.

3.13 List three major precautions and procedures when applying fertilizers. Apply the “_________” fertilizer. Use the right application __________. Be sure that the plants being fertilized have adequate _________________. Spread fertilizer ____________ according to the method of application. Avoid placing dry fertilizer on ____________________ of plants (or too close). Always leave a “________________________” around bodies of water.

3.14 List precautions in applying dry fertilizers. Avoid applying on (or too close to) leaves and green stems. ____________ any that is applied on/too close before watering. Water ___________ fertilizing to remove dust or residue from leaves and to begin activating the fertilizer. Never apply dry fertilizer to ________ plants. Do not water right after _____________ fertilizing or a _____________ spray.

3.15 Describe the procedure for calibrating a fertilizer spreader. Dry fertilizer can be applied with a drop (gravity) or rotary (centrifugal) fertilizer spreader. 1.Measure a known _____________ (sq. ft.) 2.Measure the amount (____________) of fertilizer applied over that area. A flat surface, a method for collecting the material and a scale for weighing the material is needed for calibration.

3.16 List water stress symptoms in plants. Water is lost by transpiration (leaves) and evaporation (soil). Combined or total water loss is referred to as “________________________”. When evapotranspiration exceeds soil moisture, __________occurs and plants are ________________. Symptoms: - soft leaves and stem tissue become __________________; - ________________ tint to grasses; - yellowing or _____________ of older leaves; - browning of tips or margins; - the entire leaf turns brown or ___________.

3.17 Describe the symptoms of excess water in plants. Excess water symptoms are _________________ to symptoms of water stress. Excess water results in a lack of _______ needed for root survival. Roots needed to absorb water deteriorate or ______. If symptoms occur in moist soils, check ___________.

3.18 Describe and compare the two methods for deciding when to water. 1.______________ your plants for water stress _______________. You can use indicator pants that show symptoms a day or two before others. 2. Monitor moisture level in soil with a meter or by _______. Judging by feel should be done ___________ below the surface.

3.19 List the undesirable contaminants that may reduce the quality of irrigation water. _____________ - may injure plants, deposit residues or clog irrigation systems _________________________ - may clog systems or spread disease through irrigation water __________________ Matter - may clog systems ____________ pH - may affect pH of the soil solution and therefore nutrient availability

3.20 Name the tests that should be made on irrigation water. __________________ - may require a change on fertilization practices - may leave _____________ on leaves pH - affects nutrient _________________

3.21 Describe the influence light and temperature have on plant growth. LIGHT required for __________________ primary consideration for plant ___________ (sun, partial sun, shade) day length (___________________) controls flowering in many plants (poinsettias) TEMPERATURE Every plant has an ideal temperature __________ (hardiness zones). Growth ________________ the further out of the range the temperature goes. Changes in temperature affect growth and development processes like photosynthesis and ___________________. Temperature combined with ____________ has more affect on plants.

PLANT GROWTH FCHP Chapter 3 HOS1010C - Introduction to Horticulture The End!