Soil and Water Flashcards

An arborist in Albuquerque is assessing a maple tree with yellowing leaves and dark green veins (interveinal chlorosis). This is a classic symptom of iron deficiency. What is the most likely underlying soil condition in this region causing this issue?

Answer: High soil pH (alkalinity), which makes iron unavailable to the tree.

Albuquerque's native soils are typically alkaline, with a high pH (often above 7.5). In alkaline conditions, essential micronutrients like iron are present in the soil but are chemically 'locked up,' making them unavailable for plant roots to absorb. This leads to iron chlorosis, a common problem for many non-native trees in the region.

A client in a Northeast Albuquerque neighborhood wants to install a new irrigation system for several established pine trees. According to the City of Albuquerque's watering restrictions, which of the following practices is prohibited during the growing season (April 1 - October 1)?

Answer: Running a spray irrigation system at 3:00 p.m.

The City of Albuquerque's Water Conservation Ordinance explicitly restricts all spray irrigation to the hours between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. from April 1 to October 1 to reduce water loss from evaporation during the hottest parts of the day. Drip irrigation, hand watering, and low-precipitation bubblers are typically exempt from this specific time-of-day restriction.

When preparing a planting site for a new tree in an area with typical sandy, low-organic-matter soil found in Albuquerque, which of the following amendments is most beneficial for improving both water retention and nutrient availability?

Answer: Incorporating well-composted organic matter.

Albuquerque's high desert soils are often sandy, low in organic matter, and alkaline. Adding well-composted organic matter is the most effective way to improve these conditions; it helps sandy soil retain moisture and nutrients, improves the structure of heavy clay soils, and supports beneficial microbial activity.

While excavating for a tree planting on the West Mesa, an arborist hits a hard, cement-like layer of calcium carbonate just below the topsoil that is impeding drainage. What is this layer commonly called in the Southwest?

Answer: Caliche

Caliche is a hardened natural cement of calcium carbonate that binds other materials, such as gravel, sand, clay, and silt. It is a common feature in arid and semiarid regions like Albuquerque. This layer acts as a barrier to water and root penetration, requiring special planting techniques, such as drilling holes through it or creating raised planting beds.

Which of the following is a key goal of the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority's (ABCWUA) "Treebate" program?

Answer: To help customers cover costs for planting new, appropriate trees and for tree maintenance.

The ABCWUA's 'Treebate' program provides rebates to its customers to help with the cost of purchasing qualifying low-water-use trees and for maintenance activities like pruning, fertilization, and pest management. The program encourages a healthy, climate-appropriate urban forest without providing free removal or promoting artificial turf.

A certified arborist is consulting on a new commercial landscape plan. According to Albuquerque's Water Conservation Landscaping Ordinance, what is the maximum percentage of the total landscaped area that can be planted with high-water-use turf and plants?

Answer: 20%

The ordinance mandates that for new developments, high-water-use turf or plants shall not cover more than 20% of the total landscape area to conserve water. This regulation is a cornerstone of the city's effort to reduce municipal water consumption, particularly for outdoor irrigation.