Module 3

Quiz - Summing up composts, fertilisers and mulches

Dirt in both hands

You're making good progress; that's Module 3 done. You might like to recap what we have covered so far and also you might like to consolidate what you learnt.  Just a reminder that the quiz is not recorded anywhere, and it is not a pre-requisite to moving to the next module.

In order to grow food successfully we discovered in Module 3 we need to provide adequate nutrition to plants and the conditions that will maximise growth and performance. Composts, fertilisers and mulches are vital to growing healthy productive plants.

Question 1

When you are composting and you don't have enough carbon, what type of odour will your compost give off?

Question 2

What is the recommended carbon to nitrogen ratio for composting?

Question 3

During decomposition, the microbes working away generate heat, which is why composts are hot, especially in the early stages. What is the ideal temperature for compost to break down?

Question 4

How do you get the right carbon and nitrogen ratio of material for making a compost? Do you...

Question 5

What makes organic fertilisers slower in releasing nutrients to the soil compared to synthetic fertilisers?

Question 6

What does NPK - the major or macro nutrients found in fertilisers stand for?

Question 7

Mature fruit trees can be quite hungry. How many kilograms of fertiliser do they need once established?

Question 8

Cover crops are a practice that has been used for centuries by farming communities. What are the benefits of gardening this way?

Question 9

What are the three main benefits of using organic mulches?

Question 10

Lowering soil pH (the acidity of soil) is a complex business.  What can you add to your soil to reduce the pH level?