Page 25 - Enzymes in Tropical Soils

Enzymes in Tropical Soils 13

2. Mention all plant macro and microelements! Where are these elements originated?
3. Explain the composition of soils and how the soil components may support the living
things by supplying essensial elements!
4. Explain two groups of plant nutrient sources in soils! How do these sources decay as
influenced by internal and external factors?
5. How important is the role of soil enzymes in the detachment of nutrient elements
from soil solids? Give one example!
6. Not all nutrient elements for plant growth and development are originated from
soils. Give explanation to this statement!
7. What are the difference in the composition of the soil minerals and organic matters?
8. Based on their availabilities to plants, the nutrient sources in soils are grouped into
different categories. Explain!
9. Differentiate between Intensity Factors and Capacity Factors in suplying nutrient
elements for plants!
10. What is an equilibrium state? How can an equilibrium constant affect the
detachment of nutrient elements from soil solids?
11. What is the significance of free ions? Explain!
12. Explain all chemical mechanisms affecting the concentrations of free ions?
13. Explain the complexation and decompexation processes in the soil system!
14. Explain the precipitation and dissolution processes in the soil system!
15. Explain the adsorption and desorption processes in the soil system?
16. Explain the decay/weathering processes in maintaining the concentration of free
ions in the soil water system!
17. Give some examples of free ions and complex ions! Are there any differences
between major cations such as Ca, Mg, Na, and K and metals such as Zn and Cu?
18. The differences in concentrations of Ca, Zn, and Cu complexes indicates differences
in the preference to these cations. Explain this statement!
19. What are the factors affecting the preference of cations by complexing agents?
Explain!
20. Weathering of soil minerals progresses relatively slowly. How can we fasten the
process? Explain!
21. The decay of organic matter is influenced by some internal and external factors.
Explain!
22. Why are organic matters important nutrient sources? Explain!

Abdul Kadir Salam - 2014