Ms.

Knight Crystal Davidson 115 December 6 2013

CRYSTA
L

DAVIDS
ON

CHEMISTRY

OF GARDENING

The process by which plants produce their own food is called photosynthesis.
In this process Carbon Dioxide and water along with light energy and chlorophyll are
combined to make glucose. Chloroplast in plants traps light energy which is used
to split water (H2O) into Hydrogen (H) and Oxygen (O) atoms. The hydrogen then
combines with carbon dioxide (CO2) to make glucose (C6H12O6)

The equation for Photosynthesis is:

6CO2+6H2O C6H12O6+6O2

Table showing the micronutrients their source, function and deficiency

Micronutrients

Source of nutrients

Boron

Provided by
Disodium
Tetraborate (Borax)

Zinc

Provided by Zinc
Sulphate

Manganese

Provided by
Manganese (II)
Sulphate

Function the
nutrients
Essential for seed
and call well
formation. Important
in the development
and growth of new
cells. It also helps in
abruption of
nitrogen. Boron is
important in protein
synthesis.
Involved in the
formation or
synthesis of
chlorophyll. It is also
responsible for plant
growth. Zinc asserts
protein and the
production of Auxins
Contributes to the
production of
chlorophyll. Supports
movement of iron in
plant

Results of deficiency
of nutrient
Deficiency results in
discoloration and
rotting of roots.
There is also a
breakdown of
internal tissues in
root crops which
results in darkened
areas.
A low zinc supply
causes stunted plant
growth and a
deficiency in protein.

Deficiency leads to
pour flavors in some
crops

Copper

Provided by Copper
(II) Sulphate

Iron

Provided by Iron (II)

Sulphate

Necessary for
healthy growth of
cereals It is also
involved in the
production of
vitamin C and
carotene.
Important
component of the
catalyst involved in
chlorophyll
formation.

Loss of turger and

develop a bluish
green shade before
becoming chlorotic
and curling. The
plant also fails to
flower.
Deficiency leads to
yellowing of leaves.

Table showing the macronutrients their sources, function and deficiency

Macronutrients

Source of nutrient

Function of the
nutrient

Nitrogen

It is available
through nitrogen
fixation and from
dead organisms
and animal waste.
It can also be
available from
organic manure
and artificial
fertilizers.
Phosphorus often
comes from
fertilizer and bone
meal
superphosphate.

Necessary for
formation of amino
acids -building
block for protein.
Essential for plant
cell division, vital
for plant
growth. Necessary
component of
vitamins
Needed by with
blubs, flowering
plants and nonleafy vegetables.
Involved in
photosynthesis,
respiration, energy
storage and
transfer, cell
division, and
enlargement.
It is an enzyme
activator its level
determines the
rate of reactions.

Phosphorous

Potassium

Calcium

Magnesium

Sulphur

Potassium is
supplied to plant
by soil minerals,
organic materials
and fertilizers.
Available as free
Ca2+ ions or in
complex ions.
Provided my
calcium hydroxide
calcium carbonate
and calcium
sulphate.
Available as free
Mg2+ ions or
complex ions
Provided by the

Utilized for
Continuous cell
division and
formation. Involved
in nitrogen
metabolism

Has an important
role in chlorophyll
formation.
A constituent of

Results of
deficiency of the
nutrient
A deficiently
causes yellowing
leaves and reduced
branching.

A deficiency
causes leaves and
stems to develop
a purple coloration

A deficiency can
cause stunted
growth and
permanent lost of
leaves.
A deficiency leads
to growth
abnormalities.

A deficiency leads
to chlorosis-s a low
chlorophyll
content.
Deficiency leads to

pure element and

ionic substances
(SO42-)

some proteins
enzymes and
glycosides.

stunted yellowish
plants.

What are the components of good soil?

The components of good soil are mineral matter which come from parent rock and
organic matter which has humus which is a break down from animal and plant
remains. It also has organic nutrients which are macro nutrients and micro nutrients. Water
and air are the other ingredients in that makes up a good soil.

Humus is formed from decomposition organic matter in soil is a dark semi-soluble

organic substance. Humus enriches and improves the structure of the soil where
plants grow and derive their nutrients. Humus is an important source of nutrient
need for healthy plants to grow. It reduces the changes of small substances to be
dissolved and flushed out of the lower layer of the soil by leaching. Increases the
fertility of the soil buy providing a habitat for living organisms that changes soil
nutrients to a form that plants are able to utilize. Soil nutrients are needed for
normal growth of plants. There are two types of minerals non-mineral elements and
mineral elements. The non mineral elements are obtained from the air and water,
Carbon hydrogen and oxygen are then incorporated into the plants during
photosynthesis.

1. Soil Type: Sandy

Sandy soil is made up large particles and has the largest particles among the
different soil types. Its texture is dry and gritty. A disadvantage of sandy soil is that
it cannot hold much water because of the huge spaces present between the
particles. Whenever water enters sandy soil the water runs straight through where
plant roots, particularly those of seedlings, cannot reach. Another disadvantage is
that nutrients present in sandy soil are swiftly carried away buy runoff. An

advantage of sandy soil is that it is light and easy to dig. Another advantage is that
it warms up rapidly in the spring and seeds germinate very fast. The texture and
fertility of sandy soil can be improved by adding rich organic matter.

2. Soil Type: Silt

Silted soil has much smaller particles than sandy soil and its texture is smooth.
Silted soil retains water longer. However a disadvantage is that it cannot hold many
nutrients it is fairly fertile. However because of its moisture-retentive quality, silted
soil is cold and drains poorly which is seen as an advantage.

3. Soil Type: Clay

Clay soil has the smallest particles among the different soil types so it has good
water storage qualities. Its texture is sticky to the touch when wet, but smooth
when dry. T here are many advantages of clay soil. Due to the tiny size of its
particles and its tendency to settle together, little air passes through its spaces.
Because its also slower to drain, it has a tighter hold on plant nutrients. Clay soil is
thus rich in plant food for better growth. However, a disadvantage to Clay soil is
that it is cold and in the spring, takes time to warm since the water within also has
to warm up. Another disadvantage is that clay soil could be very heavy to work with
when it gets dry.

4. Soil Type: Peaty

Peat soil started forming over 9,000 years ago, with the rapid melting of glaciers.
This rapid melt drowned plants quickly and died in the process. Their decay was so
slow underwater that it led to the accumulation of organic area in a concentrated
spot. An advantage of Peaty soil is its ability to hold water in during the dry months
and its capacity to protect the roots from damage during very wet months. Another
advantage of peaty soil is that it has a large percentage of organic matter which
makes it a good growing medium. One disadvantage of peaty soil is that it is heavily
saturated with water. Another disadvantage is that it contains acidic water

5. Soil Type: Saline Soil

Saline soil has a high concentration of salt. The salinity is due to the buildup of
soluble salts in the Rhizosphere. This type of soil is usually brackish in dry regions
because of its high salt content. A disadvantage of Saline soil is that it can cause
damage to and stall plant growth, impede germination, and cause difficulties in
irrigation. It prevents water uptake by plants which leads to drought stress because
of high salt content.

What is the purpose of the nitrogen cycle?

The nitrogen cycle is essential to life as nitrogen is a vital component of every living
organism. The cycle allows nitrogen to be reused by orgasms. Nitrogen atoms

cannot be created there are only a certain amount found on Earth. Nitrogen gas is
present in abundant in the air, 79% of the air is made up of nitrogen. It is extremely
important component in molecules such as proteins and DNA. Plants absorb
nitrogen from the soil as nitrate ions and use it to manufacture protein. The nitrogen
is then combined with carbon, hydrogen and oxygen to make building blocks for
DNA.
How is nitrogen fixed in the soil?
Nitrogen is fixed in the soil by nitrogen-fixing bacteria that converts nitrogen in the
air to nitrates. The nitrogen gas is converted to nitrates because plants cannot
absorb nitrogen gas they can only absorb substances with nitrogen present in it.
Nitrogen fixing-bacteria make nitrogen available to plants in a form that they can
utilize. The equation for converting nitrogen gas to nitrogen ions is: N2 + 8H+

e-

NH3 + H2

Nitrogen leaves the soil by a process called denitrification. Denitryfying

bacteria convert nitrates in the soil back to nitrogen gas this activity reduce
soil fertility since nitrogen is leaving the soil and plants uses it to grow well.
The cycle maybe disrupted by leaching this occurs when water may passes through
the soil on its way to river or streams and it carries dissolved nitrates and other
nutrients along with it washing the nitrates out of the soil. Because Most of the
nitrogen is used by the plant to produce protein (in the form of enzymes) a
consequence of removal of nitrogen results in , a plant deficient in nitrogen will
show yellowing in the older leaves due to the underdevelopment or destruction of
chloroplasts.
What is Acid soil?
Acidic soil is soil that has a low pH range. Acidic materials react with base materials.
Acidic materials increase the number of hydronium atoms. These acids donate
protons to other chemicals surrounding them. When giving away protons, these
acids fundamentally alter these chemicals, which can have beneficial or detrimental
effects depending on the materials they're acting on. Soil acidity plays a large role
in gardening
How is acidity removed from acid soil?
Add a few drops of caustic to the soil, allow standing for at least two minutes, and
rinsing with water. If the soil has been removed, an alkaline product can be

recommended. If only a part of the soil was removed, further testing and treatment
is necessary.
Why should lime and an ammonium containing fertilizer not be used
together?
Adding fertilizers that contain both lime and ammonium has an undesired effect on
the soil. Equal amounts of lime and ammonium may balance out, leaving the pH of
the soil unchanged. A slightly unbalanced amount of lime or ammonium leads to a
pH that is not acidic or alkaline enough, depending on the needs of the soil and the
plants growing in the garden. Another problem associated with adding lime and
ammonium fertilizers at the same time is fertilizer burn, which results from the
application of excess fertilizers. Salts and other chemicals in fertilizer dry out the
soil and the plants they are placed on, which gives grass, trees, shrubs and flowers
a dried-out and burned appearance. Heavy and simultaneous applications of these
two types of fertilizers do more harm than good to the garden. Lime will neutralize
the function of ammonium fertilizer. Not letting Nitrogen available to the plant.
The equation is:
(NH4)2SO4+Ca(OH)2 2NH3 + CaSO4 + 2H2O

What are fertilizers?

A fertilizer substances that, if used correctly, improves crop yield by replacing lost
nutrients
Fertilizes may be classified into two ways:
Inorganic fertilizers
Organic fertilizers
Organic fertilizers come from natural sources such as manure, bone meal and
composite while inorganic fertilizers are synthetic and are manufactured. Some
inorganic fertilizers are ammonium sulphate and ammonium chloride. Some
advantages of organic fertilizers is that nutrients are not easily leached or lost by
run-off and therefore the there is less of a treat to water supply. While with inorganic
fertilizers the nutrients can easily be leached into water supplies because the salts

are soluble reducing the quality of water. Another advantage of organic fertilizers is
that it has a beneficial binging effect on soil while inorganic fertilizer has no
beneficial binding effect. Organic fertilizers do not need much attention once
applied however it is the opposite with inorganic fertilizers because lime has to be
added to salts which has been fertilized by ammonium compounds. One
disadvantage of organic fertilizer is that nutrients are released slowly and this result
in a slow up take by plant. An advantage of inorganic fertilizer is that it releases
nutrients quickly which results in a quick up take by plants.

Organic fertilizers are cheaper that inorganic fertilizers in the long run. Because
inorganic fertilizers contain soluble salts these salts can be dissolved by water from
heavy rains and leached or carried into water systems such as lakes, streams and
rivers which leads to death of many organisms living in it. This process is known as
eutrophication. Organic fertilizers do not contribute to eutrophication because the
nutrients from these fertilizers are not easily leached and less amount of nutrients
are lost by run -off. Inorganic fertilizers do not improve soil stability and can lead to
soil erosion. Inorganic fertilizers contribute to the green house effect. Nitrogen,
phosphorus and potassium are the main ingredients of inorganic fertilizer. Nitrogen
is an essential building block of plant, animal and human growth. When used in
excess, nitrogen causes toxic overload in air and water supplies and changes
natural ecosystems. Organic fertilizers are derived from natural sources and contain
all 17 nutrients essential for creating life processes without harming air, water or
humans. The pollution from fertilizing with chemical fertilizers causes algae blooms
in surface water that can kill aquatic life. Excess nitrogen that enters the water
supply for people can cause blue baby syndrome in infants when the concentration
is more than 10 parts per million of nitrate nitrogen. Indiscriminate use of animal
manures and human waste can create human health hazards through the
accumulation of heavy metals and pathogens in the soil.

Some pests that can be found in a garden are insects, rodents, weed and other
fungal plants. The various method of pest control include: chemical control

biological, control and non-chemical control. With chemical control farmers practice
pest management where they apply synthetic or naturally derived pesticides to help
kill or get rid of pests that are consuming or destroying their crops. This method of
pest control is used to get rid of insects, rodent and weeds and other fungal plants.
Biological includes the usage living organisms like parasites, predators and
pathogens to control insect pest, weeds or diseases. Organisms like vertebrates,
invertebrates and fungi are used as biological control agents. These organisuims will
feed on the pest that is harming the plants and remove of lessen them from the
system.

Non chemical methods include:

Plant Selection
Use disease and insect free, certified seeds and plants if available. Select plants
that are sturdy and have well developed root systems. Diseases and insects in
young seedlings may start in greenhouses or plant beds and cause heavy losses in
the garden, i. e. whiteflies. Buy plants from a reputable grower who can assure you
that they are disease and insect free. Avoid accepting plants from friends if there is
any chance of also getting insects or diseases.

Rotation
Planting two similar crops in successive years tends to increase pest problems.
Many vegetables are closely related and have the same pests. Some insects
hibernate or lay eggs in or on the host plant. Do not grow the same kind of
vegetable in the same place each year. Use related crops in a site only once every 3
or 4 years. Another type of crop rotation is to not follow root crops behind other root
crops. Crop rotation is most effective on insects that develop on a limited number of
plants.
Intercropping
Avoid placing all plants of one kind together; alternate groups of different plants
within rows or patches. Insects that become severe on cabbage will probably also
infect nearby mustard, broccoli, and collards. If an insect lays eggs, or otherwise

attacks a specific species, the presence of unrelated plants in the area can interrupt
progress of the attack by diluting the attractive odor of the preferred plants. This
can also slow the spread of diseases and pests, giving the gardener more time to
deal with them. Marigolds and garlic are two plants whose merits are frequently
advocated as insect repellants; however, most of these claims have not been
proven. In some cases the evidence indicates they are not effective.

Herbicides!
Herbicides are substances that destroy harmful plant such as weed.
Selective herbicides controls specific chemical changes in the plantlike growth
hormones while non-selective pesticides destroys all form of plant life an example of
this herbicide is Paraquat it is fast acting and acutely toxic to humans.
Hydroponics Is the practice of keeping plant roots in a solution that contains the
nutrients required by plants this is the traditional water culture method while the
sand culture is where gravel or sand or some other material is used as the rooting
system and a nutrient solutions contains all the nutrients needed by the plant for its
normal growth and development is aid. The disadvantage of hydroponics id that the
range of plants that can be successfully cropped by this method is limited while soil
supports a wide variety of plants. Support and anchorage problems must be catered
for with the soil method anchorage and support are provided through the soil
system. With the hydroponics there is a one way flow of system. The advantages of
hydroponics are that it has no weed problems, and It allows for better control of the
growing plants. It also requires a small labour force.