Iha Education November Webinar - Fafard - Media Update Part II

Explanation
Fafard provides various services to horticulturists, including tissue analysis, water analysis, and fertilizer solution analysis. However, the one service they do not provide is garden soil analysis.

Explanation
The statement suggests that incorporating calcined clay into the media does not lower the pH. This means that the pH level remains unaffected or may even increase when calcined clay is added.

Explanation
Calcined clay can increase bulk density by adding weight and compacting the soil. It can serve as a pH buffer by neutralizing acidic or alkaline soil, helping to maintain a balanced pH level. Additionally, calcined clay can improve nutrient retention by absorbing and holding onto essential nutrients, preventing them from leaching out of the soil. Therefore, all of the given options are correct and applicable to calcined clay.

Explanation
Temperature has the greatest impact on the rate of fertilizer release because it affects the chemical reactions and biological processes in the soil. Higher temperatures increase the rate of microbial activity, which in turn accelerates the decomposition of organic matter and the release of nutrients from the fertilizer. Conversely, lower temperatures slow down these processes, leading to a slower release of nutrients. Therefore, temperature plays a crucial role in determining the availability and effectiveness of fertilizers in promoting plant growth.

Explanation
Liquid water does not displace fertilizer out of a resin prill. Resin prills are small, solid particles that contain fertilizer. When water is added to the prill, it dissolves the fertilizer and carries it into the soil, allowing plants to absorb the nutrients. Therefore, the statement is false.

Explanation
Top dressing refers to the practice of applying fertilizer directly on the soil surface, while incorporating controlled-release fertilizers (CRF's) involves mixing them into the soil. Top dressing is considered more nitrogen application efficient because it allows for better nutrient uptake by the plants. When fertilizer is applied on the soil surface, it is readily available for the plants to absorb, reducing the risk of nutrient loss through leaching or volatilization. On the other hand, CRF's release nutrients slowly over time, which may result in some nutrients being lost before plants can utilize them. Therefore, top dressing is a more efficient method of nitrogen application compared to incorporating CRF's.

Explanation
Streptomyces is a type of bacteria. It is a genus of Gram-positive bacteria that belongs to the phylum Actinobacteria. Streptomyces bacteria are known for their ability to produce a wide variety of bioactive compounds, including antibiotics. They are commonly found in soil and play an important role in the decomposition of organic matter. Streptomyces bacteria have a filamentous growth pattern and produce spores, similar to fungi, but they are not classified as fungi. Therefore, the correct answer is bacteria.

Explanation
Storing granular biologicals at a temperature of 30 degrees is the best option. This temperature is likely to provide optimal conditions for preserving the quality and efficacy of the biologicals. Higher temperatures may cause degradation or loss of potency in the biologicals, while lower temperatures may affect their stability. Therefore, maintaining a temperature of 30 degrees is recommended for storing granular biologicals prior to blending.

Explanation
Polymers tend to decrease the impact of fertilizer salts in the media. This is because polymers have the ability to absorb and retain water, which helps to dilute the concentration of fertilizer salts in the media. By decreasing the concentration of fertilizer salts, polymers can prevent the negative effects of salt buildup, such as root burn or nutrient imbalances. Therefore, using polymers in the media can be beneficial for plant growth and overall health.

Explanation
Polymers are large molecules made up of repeating subunits. In order for polymers to grow, water is required as a medium for the chemical reactions that link the subunits together. Water acts as a solvent, facilitating the movement of the subunits and allowing them to react and form bonds. Without water, the polymerization process would not occur, and the polymer would not be able to grow. Therefore, it is true that water needs to be present in the growing system for polymers to work.