Objective 5.01- Explain the role of nutrients and fertilizers.

Discuss Horticulture soils

Soils and growing media are made up of two types of materialsOrganic matter Inorganic compounds

Dead plant or animal tissue contains carbon usually has diseases or insects

Compost bark-particles too large to use in seed

germination media mulch-used to cover soil to help hold

moisture and prevent weeds straw peat moss

Sphagnum Sawdust-high carbon to nitrogen ratio

makes nitrogen unavailable for plant use

Wood shavings- high carbon to nitrogen ratio makes nitrogen unavailable for plant use

Do not contain carbon usually sterile

Soilless media-artificial soil Vermiculite-mica mineral matter used to

start seeds and cuttings, helps hold moisture, has neutral pH

Perlite-natural volcanic material that helps aeration and water-holding capacity

1. Sterile.2. pH is neutral.3. Disease and weed free.4. It is good for starting disease

sensitive seeds• Tomato

5. It is easy to control the nutrient content

6. Improves crop uniformity.7. It is easy to create a horticulture

soil for particular plant needs.

1. Expensive2. It is light weight

Materials with a high carbon to nitrogen ratioSawdustWood shavings

Makes nitrogen unavailable for plant use