Horticulture

1.

1 point

Which is INCORRECT about working with soils that have not been improved with organic matter?

Accept lower levels of plant growth and vigor

Larger transplants may establish better than small transplants and seeds

Space plants further apart

Focus on plants more tolerant of the poor soil conditions

2.

1 point

Which is NOT a method to encourage beneficial soil organisms?

Routinely add organic matter

Use an organic mulch

Break-up the soil with frequent tilling

Avoid plastic sheets with rock mulch.

3.

1 point

On soils low in organic matter (<1%), what is the routine nitrogen application rate for flower and vegetable gardens?

0

0.1 pounds nitrogen per 100 square feet

0.4 pounds nitrogen per 100 square feet

0.2 pounds nitrogen per 100 square feet

4.

1 point

which is NOT a method to encourage beneficial soil organisms?

Use an organic mulch

Routinely add organic matter

Avoid plastic sheets with rock mulch.

Break-up the soil with frequent tilling

5.

1 point

Which is correct about using rock/gravel for mulch?

Once applied, rock mulch requires no maintenance

Rock mulch is a water saving technique decreasing the water need of plants.

Rock mulch makes a good border around lawn areas.

Flowering shrubs in rock mulch are rather intolerant of rejuvenation pruning (cutting the shrub to the ground) due to decreased plant vigor.

6.

1 point

Which is NOT a factor in managing a fine-textured, clayey soil?

Add organic matter to glue the tiny clay particles together.

Add organic matter to increase the water holding capacity of the soil.

Foster activity of soil microorganisms

Avoid compaction forces.

7.

1 point

Compared to agricultural (field) soils or natural sites, an urban landscape soil has

Slower drainage, lower oxygen levels, and lower organic matter

Less compaction, better drainage, and lower organic matter

More surface crusting, better drainage, and lower organic matter

8.

1 point

Which is correct about selecting soil amendments?

Human pathogens (such as E. coli and salmonella) are a primary concern with manure-based compost.

Commercially available compost is free of weed seeds

Due to the decomposing process, salt levels are naturally low in manure-based compost.

Due to regulations, commercially available compost is free of plant pathogen, pesticide residues and other toxic chemicals.

9.

1 point

What happens when phosphate fertilizer is applied to a hard surface like the sidewalk and street?

Is chemically bound to the soil particles

Moves with rain and snow melt into surface water.

Evaporates into the air

Leaches into ground water

10.

1 point

Which is INCORRECT about working with soils that have not been improved with organic matter?

Maintenance time will be about the same as an improved soil

Space plants further apart

Small transplants may establish better than large transplants and seed

Accept lower levels of plant growth and vigor

11.

1 point

Which type of problem will a routine soil test help diagnose?

Problems from over watering

High levels of soil salts

Weed competition

Problems with soil compaction

12.

1 point

Which soil horizon has high biological activity, higher organic matter, water soluble chemicals leached out, and naturally a more granular structure?

A horizon

B horizon

C horizon

13.

1 point

On soils moderate in organic content (2-3%), what is the routine nitrogen application rate for flower and vegetable gardens?

0.4 pounds nitrogen per 100 square fee

0

0.1 pounds nitrogen per 100 square feet

14.

1 point

Which type of problem will a routine soil test help diagnose?

High levels of soil salts

Weed competition

Problems with soil compaction

Problems from over watering

15.

1 point

Compared to agricultural (field) soils or natural sites, an urban landscape soil has

More surface crusting, lower organic matter, and slower drainage

More surface crusting, better drainage, and higher levels of soil oxygen

More compaction, better drainage, and higher levels of soil oxygen

Less compaction, higher organic matter, and quick drainage

16.

1 point

Which is correct about gardening techniques when the soil is not improved with compost and other soil amendments?

Soil amendments have little influence on maintenance requirements.

Use larger plants that need less growth to fill in the space.

Crowd plants a little to compensate for decreased growth potential.

Increased fertilization will not to compensate for poor soil conditions.

17.

1 point

Which is a complete fertilizer?

5-10-0

30-15-30

15-5-0

21-0-0

18.

1 point

In the soil, where is water located?

Near the bottom of the soil profile

In large pore spaces

In small pore spaces and coating the soil particles.

Near the top of the soil profile

19.

1 point

Which is OK to put in home composting?

Wood ash

Spent flower tops

Tree branches

20.

1 point

If cultivates into the soil 6-8 inches deep, what is the routine application rate of plant-based compost when the soil is low in organic matter?

1 inch deep maximum, prior to cultivation

2-3 inches deep, prior to cultivation

1-2 inches deep, prior to cultivation

-4 inches deep, prior to cultivation

21.

1 point

A soil with 10% clay, 15% silt, and 75% fine sand behave as a

Clayey soil

Loamy soil

Sandy soil

Silty soil