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Soil compaction is common in Irish soils - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 6 - 2019
Question 6
Soil compaction is common in Irish soils. (i) Suggest two possible causes of soil compaction. (ii) Describe two effects of soil compaction. (iii) Explain how soil... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Soil compaction is common in Irish soils - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 6 - 2019
Step 1
Suggest two possible causes of soil compaction.
Answer
Soil compaction can arise due to various factors. Two notable causes are:
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Machinery Usage: Heavy machinery such as tractors can exert significant pressure on the soil, leading to its compaction. This is especially problematic when soils are wet, as the machinery can compact the soil even further.
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Livestock: The presence of heavy livestock, particularly during wet conditions, can also cause soil compaction. When animals walk over the same areas repeatedly, they crush the soil particles, reducing pore space.
Step 2
Describe two effects of soil compaction.
Answer
Soil compaction has detrimental effects on soil health and crop production:
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Reduced Water Infiltration: Compacted soil has decreased porosity, which leads to poor water infiltration. This means that rainwater is less able to penetrate the soil, increasing runoff and the risk of erosion while also limiting the moisture available to plant roots.
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Impaired Root Growth: The compacted layers of soil create physical barriers for root growth. This can restrict roots from accessing water and nutrients, ultimately leading to stunted plant growth and reduced crop yields.
Step 3
Explain how soil compaction may be remedied.
Answer
To remedy soil compaction, several approaches can be undertaken:
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Cultivation Techniques: Utilizing deep tillage or subsoiling can help break up compacted layers, restoring soil structure. This promotes better root penetration and improves water infiltration.
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Aeration: Implementing a soil aeration process, such as using a mechanical aerator, allows for the introduction of air into the soil. This can help alleviate compaction by creating pathways for roots and enhancing overall soil health.
Step 4
Give three benefits of the inclusion of clover in a seed mixture.
Answer
Clover offers numerous benefits when included in seed mixtures for grazing:
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Nitrogen Fixation: Clover is a legume that can fix atmospheric nitrogen, enriching the soil and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
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Ground Cover: Its dense growth habit provides excellent ground cover, helping to suppress weeds and reducing soil erosion.
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Palatability and Nutritional Value: Clover is highly palatable to livestock, offering high protein content and improving overall diet quality.
Step 5
Explain why white clover is used in grazing seed mixtures and red clover is used in silage seed mixtures.
Answer
The choice of clover type in mixtures depends on specific agronomic benefits:
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White Clover: This variety is preferred for grazing seed mixtures due to its persistent growth and ability to thrive in close grazing conditions. It has a deep root system, allowing it to maintain moisture during dry periods, making it ideal for pasture systems.
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Red Clover: This type is more suited to silage mixtures because of its higher yield potential and ability to produce abundant biomass. Its growth habit is better for silage, offering high sugars and fiber content when cut at the correct stage.
Step 6
Compare slurry and FYM under the following headings:
Answer
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Composition: Slurry is a liquid mixture of urine and feces, while FYM (Farmyard Manure) is a solid mixture containing straw, urine, and feces.
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Organic Matter Content: FYM typically has a higher organic matter content compared to slurry. This is beneficial for improving soil structure and fertility.
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Storage: Slurry is usually stored in liquid tanks, whereas FYM is generally stacked or stored in barns, requiring more space.
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Method of Application: Slurry is commonly applied using a slurry tank or trailing shoe method, allowing for direct application to the soil surface. In contrast, FYM is applied using a muck spreader or fork, which can be less precise but beneficial for soil incorporation.