Explain the origin of soils to include parent rock types and the role of physical, chemical, and biological factors in soil formation.
• Soil formation in Clonroche
• Suggested horizons and soil components there
Describe the physical characteristics of soil and non-soil growing media including its components, texture, structure, hydraulic conductivity, air-filled porosity, potting mixes, hydro culture, and suitability for various crops.
• Rationale
Outline soil fertility in both an organic and conventional context to include nutrient management, green manures, composting, and crop rotation
• Green manure advantages and disadvantages
• Growing Kidney beans advantages and disadvantages
• Expected outcome with adding N, P, K to acidic soil
Explain the role and principles of drainage including saturation, field capacity, permanent wilting point, capillarity, and available water
• Explanation of what could have gone wrong
• Description of the possible outcome in both cases
Relate macro and micro elements to plant nutrition including their function, deficiency and toxicity effects, organic and inorganic sources, the role of liquid feed, and slow and controlled release fertilizers to include interpreting a soil analysis report.
• Comparing both methods and recommending one
• Explanation and rationale provided
