CCA - Certified Crop Advisor Nutrient Management Planning Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A producer's soil test results for a field planned for corn indicate high levels of phosphorus. The nutrient management plan is based on the nitrogen needs of the corn crop. Which of the following is the most significant potential environmental consequence of applying manure to meet the crop's full nitrogen requirement?
- Increased risk of soil compaction from heavy application equipment.
- Excessive phosphorus runoff, leading to eutrophication of nearby surface waters. (Correct answer)
- Depletion of soil organic matter due to accelerated microbial activity.
- Volatilization of ammonia, contributing to air quality issues.
Correct answer: Excessive phosphorus runoff, leading to eutrophication of nearby surface waters.
When manure application is based on the nitrogen needs of a crop, other nutrients, particularly phosphorus, are often over-applied because the N:P ratio in manure is different from the crop's uptake ratio. If the soil already has high phosphorus levels, applying additional phosphorus beyond crop removal rates significantly increases the risk of P loss through runoff and erosion. This excess phosphorus can enter surface water bodies, causing eutrophication—an overgrowth of algae that depletes oxygen and harms aquatic life.
Question 2: Which of the following is the foundational first step in developing an effective and environmentally sound nutrient management plan?
- Calibrating the manure spreader and fertilizer application equipment.
- Determining realistic yield goals for the planned crop rotation.
- Collecting representative soil samples for laboratory analysis. (Correct answer)
- Selecting the specific type of commercial fertilizer to be used.
Correct answer: Collecting representative soil samples for laboratory analysis.
Complete and accurate soil testing is the starting point for any nutrient management plan. Soil analysis provides a baseline of the nutrient levels already present in the field, which is essential for determining the actual nutrient needs of the crop. Without this information, it's impossible to accurately calculate application rates, select appropriate nutrient sources, or set realistic yield goals without risking over- or under-application.
Question 3: A nutrient management plan incorporates the '4R' stewardship principles to optimize fertilizer use. What do the 4Rs stand for?
- Rate, Runoff, Regulation, Record-keeping
- Residue, Rotation, Rainfall, Replenishment
- Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place (Correct answer)
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Re-evaluate
Correct answer: Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place
The 4R Nutrient Stewardship framework is a core concept in modern nutrient management. It stands for using the Right Source of nutrients, at the Right Rate, at the Right Time in the crop's life cycle, and in the Right Place for the crop to access them. Following these principles helps to maximize nutrient use efficiency, improve farm profitability, and minimize environmental impact.
Question 4: A farmer plans to plant soybeans in a field that was previously in alfalfa for three years. When calculating the nitrogen fertilizer needs for the soybeans, how should the previous alfalfa crop be handled in the nutrient management plan?
- The nitrogen contribution from the alfalfa should be ignored as soybeans fix their own nitrogen.
- A nitrogen credit should be subtracted from the base fertilizer recommendation. (Correct answer)
- Extra nitrogen fertilizer should be added to help break down the tough alfalfa residue.
- The application rate should be based solely on the previous year's soybean yield data.
Correct answer: A nitrogen credit should be subtracted from the base fertilizer recommendation.
Nutrient management plans must account for all sources of nutrients, including those from previous crops. Legumes like alfalfa fix atmospheric nitrogen, and a significant amount of this nitrogen remains in the soil and becomes available to the following crop as the residue decomposes. This is known as a 'legume credit' and must be subtracted from the total nutrient requirement to avoid over-application of nitrogen fertilizer.
Question 5: A soil test report recommends applying 120 lbs of nitrogen (N) per acre for a corn crop. You have a liquid UAN fertilizer (28-0-0) that weighs 10.65 lbs/gallon. How many gallons of this fertilizer should be applied per acre to meet the recommendation?
- 32.5 gallons
- 45.1 gallons
- 40.2 gallons (Correct answer)
- 11.3 gallons
Correct answer: 40.2 gallons
First, calculate the pounds of N per gallon of fertilizer: 10.65 lbs/gallon * 0.28 (for 28% N) = 2.982 lbs N/gallon. Next, divide the recommended N rate by the pounds of N per gallon: 120 lbs N/acre / 2.982 lbs N/gallon = 40.24 gallons/acre. The closest answer is 40.2 gallons.
Question 6: In a comprehensive nutrient management plan (CNMP), which of the following components is critical for protecting water quality in environmentally sensitive areas?
- A list of all farm employees and their responsibilities.
- The schedule for equipment maintenance and calibration.
- An emergency action plan for spills and accidental discharges. (Correct answer)
- The marketing plan for the crops to be grown.
Correct answer: An emergency action plan for spills and accidental discharges.
A key purpose of a nutrient management plan is to minimize environmental impact. Environmentally sensitive areas, such as those near streams, wells, or sinkholes, require special protection. An emergency action plan is a critical component that outlines procedures to contain and manage spills or unexpected runoff, thereby preventing or minimizing the contamination of water resources.
CCA - Certified Crop Advisor Nutrient Management Planning Questions and Answers 1
A producer's soil test results for a field planned for corn indicate high levels of phosphorus.
The nutrient management plan is based on the nitrogen needs of the corn crop.
Which of the following is the most significant potential environmental consequence of applying manure to meet the crop's full nitrogen requirement?