BISC 101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 12: Soil Texture, Crop Rotation, Soil Conservation
14 Mar 2016
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Hydroponic culture: used to identify 17 essential elements needed by all plants. 9 macronutrients (needed in large amounts = major components of complex molecules): c, h, o (96% dry weight), n, k (often limiting), ca, mg, p, s. 8 micronutrients (needed in small amounts 1:trillion = cofactors in enzyme reactions): cl, fe, mn, b, zn, cu, ni, mo. Signal nutrient deficiencies before damage has occurred. Reporter gene is linked to production of light blue pigment (tells farmer. Soil texture (particle size, amount of organic matter) affects: Ability of roots to penetrate soil, and to support plants. Ability to hold water and make it available to plants. Availability of o2 (e. g in waterlogged soils) Plants add organic matter (nutrients that support other soil organisms) Nutrient transfer via mycorrhizal fungi (symbiotic relationship with plants) In return the fungus obtains sugars and other complex molecules from the plant. Rhizosphere (soil) bacteria make nitrogen available to plants.
