Question

Figure 2: Summary of pH requirements of various crops. This information is from the study conducted by the government of British Columbia.

Figure 3: Summary of recommended amounts of phosphorus added to soil depending on the crop grown. This information is from the study conducted by the government of British Columbia

Figure 4: Recommended sources of nitrogen for various crops. This information is from the study conducted by the government of British Columbia.

Figure 5: Summary of recommended amounts of potassium added to soil depending on the crop grown. This information is from the study conducted by the government of British Columbia.

Table 2: Determining the suitability of Soil Sample A for growing oats

Characteristic of soil	Observed value	Required value	Describe how you can adjust the levels of this component in the soil
pH level	6.5
Nitrogen level (in ppm)	2	35 ppm
Phosphorus level (in ppm)	33
Potassium level (in ppm)	85

Table 3: Determining the suitability of Soil Sample A for growing potatoes

Characteristic of soil	Observed value	Required value	Describe how you can adjust the levels of this component in the soil
pH level
Nitrogen level (in ppm)	2	35 ppm
Phosphorus level (in ppm)	33
Potassium level (in ppm)	85

Questions:

1. Nitric acid (HNO₃) is formed in the atmosphere as a result of nitrogen pollution and this nitric acid will eventually accumulate in the soil. What do you think will happen when nitric acid concentration is high in typical soil samples?

2. A salesman comes to your door with a new miracle product designed (he claims) to fertilize houseplants and lawns. The product called Miracle Ash contains 45% carbon, 10 ppm cobalt, 1000 ppm sodium, 5 ppm silicon, and 300 ppm aluminum. Why is product ineffective as a fertilizer or plant nutritional supplement?

3. Why do farmers need to regularly test the soil nutrients instead of only once before they start planting their seeds?

Answer 1

1. Suitability of Sample A for growing oats-

Nitrogen is critical to increase the yield of oats. The observed value of Nitrogen is quite low than recommended which can adjusted by adding good nitrogen rich fertilizer such as urea.

2. Suitability of Sample A for growing potato-

For potato, the observed value is again too low for its growth so it can be increased by adding nitrogen fertilizer. Urea is the excellent source of nitrogen. Other than that Diammonium Phosphate (18% N), Ammonium Nitrate (34% N) can also be used.