NALP Horticultural Tech flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Soil pH

A measure of soil acidity or alkalinity on a 0-14 scale; most landscape plants prefer pH 5.5-7.0, and nutrient availability shifts with pH.

Cation exchange capacity

The ability of soil particles to hold positively charged nutrient ions; clay and organic matter increase CEC, while sand has low CEC.

N-P-K ratio

The percentage by weight of nitrogen, phosphorus (as P2O5), and potassium (as K2O) in a fertilizer, always listed in that order.

Fertilizer application rate

Pounds of product equals desired pounds of nutrient per 1000 sq ft times area divided by 1000, then divided by the decimal fraction of nutrient.

Hardwood cutting

A propagation method using dormant stem wood taken in late fall or winter from woody plants; roots form from stored carbohydrates.

Softwood cutting

A propagation method using new, flexible growth taken in late spring or early summer, rooted under high humidity and indirect light.

Photosynthesis

The process in chloroplasts where light, carbon dioxide, and water produce sugars and release oxygen; it occurs only in light.

Binomial nomenclature

The two-part scientific naming system: capitalized genus plus lowercase specific epithet, both italicized; cultivar names appear in single quotes.

USDA hardiness zone

A geographic zone classification based on average annual minimum temperature; higher zone numbers indicate warmer winter climates.

Right plant, right place

A selection principle matching a plant's mature size, light, moisture, and hardiness needs to the actual site conditions before planting.

Deciduous

Describes plants that shed their leaves seasonally, usually in autumn, and regrow foliage the following growing season.

Opposite leaf arrangement

A pattern where two leaves attach at the same node on opposite sides of the stem, as seen in maples and dogwoods.

Monocot versus dicot

Monocots have parallel veins and flower parts in threes; dicots have netted veins and flower parts in fours or fives.

Dioecious species

Plants with separate male and female individuals; sex must be known to predict fruit set, as in holly and ginkgo.

Cool-season turfgrass

Grass species such as tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass that grow best at 60-75 F and are fertilized mainly in fall.

Warm-season turfgrass

Grass species such as bermudagrass and zoysiagrass that grow best at 80-95 F and are fertilized in late spring through summer.

One-third mowing rule

Remove no more than one-third of the leaf blade height at each mowing to reduce stress and maintain turf density and health.

Thatch

A layer of dead organic matter between the soil surface and green turf; core aeration and proper watering help manage it.

Brown patch

A turfgrass disease causing circular blighted areas during humid heat; favored by excessive nitrogen and nighttime leaf wetness.

Dollar spot

A turfgrass disease producing small straw-colored spots that merge into patches; favored by low nitrogen and moist conditions.

Overseeding

Applying seed over existing turf; cool-season lawns are overseeded in early fall, and warm-season lawns may be overseeded with ryegrass for winter color.

Planting hole width

The hole should be two to three times the root ball width but no deeper than the root ball, keeping the root flare at grade.

Mulch depth

A 2-4 inch layer of mulch conserves moisture and suppresses weeds; keeping it away from the trunk prevents rot and rodent damage.

Branch collar

The swollen area at the base of a branch; pruning cuts made just outside it allow proper wound closure and reduce decay.

Structural pruning

Pruning young trees to establish a single leader and well-spaced, strongly attached branches, reducing future failure risk.

Evapotranspiration

Water loss from soil evaporation plus plant transpiration; used to schedule irrigation to replace water actually used.

Drip irrigation

A system delivering water slowly to the root zone, reducing waste and runoff compared with overhead sprinklers.

Personal protective equipment

Gear such as eye, hearing, hand, and foot protection worn during equipment operation; chainsaws also require chaps and a helmet.

Pre-operation inspection

Checking equipment for damaged parts, fluid levels, and secure guards before starting; never operate with safety devices removed.

Refueling safety

Shut off the engine and allow it to cool before refueling; store fuel in approved containers away from ignition sources.

Chainsaw kickback

A sudden reactive force when the chain tip contacts an object; reduced by firm two-handed grip, a working chain brake, and avoiding tip cuts.

Lockout/tagout

A procedure that isolates energy sources during equipment servicing to prevent unexpected startup; disconnect spark plug or battery first.