12/25/2018 Assignment 1

Assignment 1
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Due 7 Feb 2019 by 23:59 Points 100 Submitting a text entry box or a file upload
Available 18 Dec at 0:00 - 15 Feb 2019 at 23:59 2 months

AGS 6735: SOILS AND ENVIRONMENT

ASSIGNMENT 1

DECEMBER, 2018

INSTRUCTIONS: Answer all Questions MARKS: 40

1. Define the following terms [10 marks]

1. Plasticity
2. Hydrolysis
3. E horizon
4. Soil consistency

2. A soil has the following chemical properties.

Ca2+ Mg2+ Na+ K+ H+ Al3+

Depth (cm)
(-------------cmol/kg soil-------------)

0-20 0.3 0.3 0.1 0.3 0.1 0.6

Answer the following questions. [20 marks]

1. What is the Effective Cation Exchange Capacity of this soil? [3 marks]

2. What are the implications of a low cation exchange capacity on soil quality? [5 marks]
3. Calculate;
4. Base saturation [3 marks]
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12/25/2018 Assignment 1

5. Aluminium saturation [3 marks]

1. How much exchangeable potassium (kg/ha) can this soil retain to a depth of 20 cm assuming a bulk
density of 1.3 g/cm3? [6 marks]

3. Fertilizers are applied to soils to provide nutrient elements required for plant growth and optimum yield.
However, not all the effects of fertilizers are beneficial. Answer the following questions. [10 marks]

1. Briefly discuss two negative effects of fertilizers on soil health and plant growth [7 marks]
2. How can farmers minimize the negative effects of fertilizers? [3 marks]

END OF ASSIGNMENT 1

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