CFA Best Practices for Application 2

Question 1

What is the primary reason to avoid applying fertilizer on frozen or snow-covered ground?

Accepted Answer

Nutrients will run off with snowmelt into waterways

Answer

Fertilizer applied to frozen or snow-covered ground cannot be absorbed and will run off with snowmelt, causing nutrient pollution in nearby waterways.

Question 2

Which buffer distance from a water body is most commonly required before fertilizer application can begin?

Accepted Answer

25 feet

Answer

Many state regulations require a minimum 25-foot vegetative buffer zone between fertilizer application areas and water bodies to reduce nutrient runoff.

Question 3

When applying granular fertilizer near a sidewalk or driveway, what is the best practice?

Accepted Answer

Blow or sweep granules back onto the turf immediately

Answer

Granules that land on impervious surfaces must be blown or swept back onto turf to prevent them from washing into storm drains and water bodies.

Question 4

What does the term 'slow-release' fertilizer refer to?

Accepted Answer

A product that releases nutrients gradually over an extended period

Answer

Slow-release fertilizers release nutrients gradually over weeks or months, reducing the risk of leaching and runoff compared to quickly soluble products.

Question 5

A soil test recommends 1.5 lb of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft. Your fertilizer bag is 30-0-10. How many pounds of fertilizer do you need per 1,000 sq ft?

Accepted Answer

5 lb

Answer

Divide the desired nitrogen rate by the nitrogen fraction: 1.5 lb ÷ 0.30 = 5 lb of 30-0-10 fertilizer per 1,000 sq ft.

CFA Practice Test

CFA Practice Test

CFA Best Practices for Application 2