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Horticulture
Horticulture key terms unit 4
Term | Definition |
---|---|
aggregation | the clinging together of soil particles to form larger, crumblike particles |
biochemical | a chemical formed by a living organism |
capillary water | water held against the force of gravity |
dormancy | in a resting or non-growing state |
field capacity | water left after capillary movement stops |
gravitational water | water that the soil is unable to hold against the force of gravity |
loam | soil with approximately equal amounts of sand, silt and clay; generally considered the best type of soil for plant growth |
limestone | a natural rock used to reduce soil acidity |
medium | a material that is used to start and grow seeds and plants |
macroelements | major elements of fertilizer: nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium,- NPK |
microelements | plant nutrients needed in small quantities |
perlite | a grey-white material of volcanic orgin used to improve aeration of the media |
photoperiodism | response of plants to different periods of light and darkness in terms of flowering, reproduction cycle, and dormancy |
peat moss | partially decomposed vegetation that has been preserved underwater |
slow-release fertilizers | fertilizer that releases plant nutrients over a long period of time |
soilless mix | contains combinations of perlite, sphagnum moss, peat moss, vermiculite, limestone, tree bark, and slow -release fertilizers |
sphagnum moss | dehydrated remains of acid bog plants, used in shredded form for starting seeds |
transpiration | loss of water through the leaves or stems of plants |
texture triangle | to determine the textural name of a soil |
tree bark | bark of pine or hardwood trees ground in small pieces |
vermiculite | a light mineral with neutral pH used to increase the moisture-holding capacity of media |