CFA Nutrient Management and 4Rs 2

Question 1

Which of the 4R principles addresses applying fertilizer in a way that minimizes leaching losses below the root zone?

Accepted Answer

Right Place

Answer

Right Place focuses on positioning nutrients within the root zone to maximize uptake and minimize leaching or runoff losses.

Question 2

A soil test shows a pH of 5.2. Which nutrient is most likely to become toxic to plants under this acidic condition?

Accepted Answer

Manganese

Answer

Manganese solubility increases dramatically at low pH, and concentrations can reach phytotoxic levels in acidic soils.

Question 3

A corn farmer applies nitrogen in the fall but experiences a wet spring. Which loss pathway is the greatest concern for the applied nitrogen?

Accepted Answer

Denitrification

Answer

Wet, warm, anaerobic soil conditions after fall nitrogen application promote denitrification, converting nitrate-N to gaseous N2 or N2O.

Question 4

The Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) of a soil directly affects which fertilizer management decision?

Accepted Answer

Determining split-application timing for nitrogen

Answer

Soils with low CEC hold fewer cations and are prone to nutrient leaching, making split applications more appropriate to avoid losses.

Question 5

Which fertilizer formulation would be most appropriate for correcting a mid-season sulfur deficiency in wheat?

Accepted Answer

Foliar application of potassium sulfate

Answer

Foliar potassium sulfate provides rapid sulfur correction mid-season when soil application would be too slow to correct the deficiency.

CFA Practice Test