CFA Nutrient Management & Application Planning 3

Question 1

A soil test report shows high magnesium levels relative to calcium. The MOST appropriate corrective action would be to apply:

Accepted Answer

Calcitic limestone to supply calcium without additional magnesium

Answer

Calcitic limestone supplies calcium to correct the Ca:Mg ratio imbalance without adding more magnesium as dolomitic limestone would.

Question 2

The cation exchange capacity (CEC) of a soil is important for nutrient management because it indicates:

Accepted Answer

The soil's ability to hold cationic nutrients against leaching

Answer

CEC measures the soil's ability to hold positively charged nutrient ions (K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, NH4+) and resist their leaching, informing application rate decisions.

Question 3

When preparing a field nutrient budget, manure nutrient credits must be included. For nitrogen in manure, applicators must account for:

Accepted Answer

Both the immediately available inorganic N fraction and the slow-release organic N fraction

Answer

Manure nitrogen exists as both quickly available inorganic N (NH4+) and slowly mineralizing organic N, and both fractions must be credited in the nutrient budget.

Question 4

Variable rate technology (VRT) in fertilizer application is most beneficial when:

Accepted Answer

Significant within-field variability in soil test values exists

Answer

VRT provides the greatest economic and environmental benefit when significant within-field soil variability exists, allowing site-specific nutrient applications.

Question 5

Sulfur deficiency symptoms in crops typically appear first as:

Accepted Answer

Yellowing of young upper leaves since S is immobile in plants

Answer

Sulfur is immobile within plants, so deficiency symptoms appear first in the youngest leaves (growing points) rather than in older tissue.

CFA Practice Test

CFA Practice Test

CFA Nutrient Management & Application Planning 3