CFA Nutrient Sources and Management Questions and Answers

Question 1

An applicator is choosing a potassium (K) source for a crop that is sensitive to chloride and is being grown in soil that also requires sulfur.
Which of the following fertilizers would be the most suitable choice?

Accepted Answer

Potassium sulfate (SOP)

Answer

Potassium chloride (MOP)

Answer

Potassium nitrate

Answer

Potassium thiosulfate

Question 2

A farmer plans to use manure from their livestock operation as the primary nutrient source for a corn crop. What is the most critical first step to ensure accurate nutrient application and avoid environmental losses?

Accepted Answer

Sending a representative sample of the manure to a laboratory for nutrient analysis.

Answer

Consulting a crop advisor for regional application rate recommendations.

Answer

Using published 'book values' for the average nutrient content of that type of manure.

Answer

Applying the manure at the highest possible rate to maximize organic matter benefits.

Question 3

Which of the following is a primary advantage of using chelated micronutrients, particularly in high-pH (alkaline) soils?

Accepted Answer

They protect the micronutrient from being tied up and made unavailable in the soil.

Answer

They provide a slow-release source of nutrients over the entire growing season.

Answer

They are certified for use in organic production systems.

Answer

They also supply secondary macronutrients like calcium and magnesium.

Question 4

An applicator uses Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) with an 18-46-0 analysis. What two primary macronutrients is this fertilizer supplying?

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen and Phosphorus

Answer

Nitrogen and Potassium

Answer

Phosphorus and Sulfur

Answer

Calcium and Phosphorus

Question 5

When comparing Urea (46-0-0) and Ammonium Sulfate (21-0-0) as top-dress nitrogen sources, what additional essential nutrient does Ammonium Sulfate provide that Urea does not?

Accepted Answer

Sulfur (S)

Answer

Calcium (Ca)

Answer

Magnesium (Mg)

Answer

Potassium (K)

Question 6

A grower is applying a liquid fertilizer through their irrigation system (fertigation) to quickly correct a nutrient deficiency identified mid-season. Which form of nitrogen is most immediately available for plant uptake but also most susceptible to leaching?

Accepted Answer

Nitrate (NO3-)

Answer

Amide (from Urea)

Answer

Ammonium (NH4+)

Answer

Organic Nitrogen

An applicator is choosing a potassium (K) source for a crop that is sensitive to chloride and is being grown in soil that also requires sulfur.Which of the following fertilizers would be the most suitable choice?

An applicator is choosing a potassium (K) source for a crop that is sensitive to chloride and is being grown in soil that also requires sulfur.
Which of the following fertilizers would be the most suitable choice?