Agronomic Glossary

• Absorption – In plants, the passing of a compound from one system into another such as water movement from soil into plant roots. In soils, the binding of a chemical into a soil particle.

• Acclimation – Physical and physiological processes that prepare plants for temperature extremes.

• Acid Injection – In irrigation systems, adding of acidic materials such as sulfur or phosphoric acid to irrigation water with excessive pH, bicarbonate, and carbonate contents. This lowers the pH and converts bicarbonate and carbonate into carbon dioxide and water.

• Actinomycetes – Soil microorganisms intermediate between bacteria and fungi.

• Activated Sludge – Aerated sludge that is subjected to bacterial processes.

• Active Acidity – Acidity of a soil solution from free hydrogen ions measured as pH.

• Activity Index – Measurement (index) of the proportion of hot water soluble nitrogen (HWSN) relative to hot water insoluble nitrogen (HWIN) in urea formaldehyde fertilizers.

• Adhesion – Molecular attraction and contact between the surfaces of two unlike substances or objects.

• Adsorption – Bonding or adhering of ions or compounds to the surface of soil particles or plant parts.

• Aerification – In turfgrass, a method of cultivation where hollow or solid tines are inserted into and removed from the turfgrass and soil to control soil compaction and increase water and air penetration. Hollow tine aerificaiton involves using hollow tines that remove soil cores or plugs while solid tine aerification using solid tines and does not remove any soil.

• Aerobic – Requiring oxygen or having oxygen present in the environment.

• Aggregate – Collected together in tufts, groups, or bunches.

• Agronomy – Science of crops and soils.

• Alkaline Soil – Soil that has a pH above 7.0.

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6