CHAPTER 29

THE CHEMISTRY OF
GARDENING
THE CHEMISTRY OF GARDENING

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Discuss the importance of humus in the soil.

List at least six important elements that are essential for plant growth.

Identify sources of the essential elements needed for plant growth.

Describe the effects of the deficiency of three named elements on plant

growth.
THE CHEMISTRY OF GARDENING

LEARNING OUTCOMES
Relate the importance of nitrogen compounds in home gardening.

Explain the effect of adding lime to the soil.

Explain why lime and an ammonium fertiliser should not be added to

the soil at the same time.

Describe the use of hydroponics in growing crops.

Compare the use of chemical and biological control of pests.

Discuss the use of herbicides.

THE CHEMISTRY OF GARDENING

FACTORS AFFECTING PLANT GROWTH

Water
Air temperature
Soil temperature
Atmospheric air composition
Composition of air in the soil
Competition
Pests
Plant genotype
Soil fertility
THE CHEMISTRY OF GARDENING

SOIL
A mixture that comes from the breakdown of rocks and rotting
plant and animal remains.

Constituents of soil:
Minerals and nutrients
Organic matter
Humus is the dark brown coloured
decayed organic matter in soil
Helps to provide carbon, hydrogen and
oxygen to the soil
Air and water
Living organisms

The most important part of soil chemistry

is pH and nutrients.
THE CHEMISTRY OF GARDENING

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS IN PLANT

NUTRITION
Macronutrients are essential plant nutrients required in large amounts.

E.g. N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S

Micronutrients are essential plant nutrients required in trace amounts.

E.g. B, Cu, Fe, Cl −, Mn, Mo, Zn

When the supply of any essential micronutrients falls below the required level, a
deficiency occurs.

Deficiency in boron – stunted growth, affected sugar transport,

reduced seed formation
Deficiency in copper – affected lignin synthesis, yellowing of leaves,
stunted growth
Deficiency in manganese – interveinal chlorosis, delayed maturity,
appearance of spots
THE CHEMISTRY OF GARDENING

IMPORTANCE OF FERTILISING SOIL

Plants cannot use nitrogen in the atmosphere directly for growth.
Nitrogen must first be converted to ammonium (NH4+) or nitrate (NO3−).

Fertilisers
Organic fertilisers (e.g. compost, manure)
Inorganic fertilisers (e.g. industrially produced ammonium
sulphate, ammonium nitrate and urea)

Liming
The application of calcium hydroxide to soil in various forms
Neutralises acidic soils and increases the activity of soil bacteria
Liming should not be carried out together with addition of ammonium-based fertilisers.
Lime will react with ammonium ions to liberate NH3 gas, which will escape into the
atmosphere, resulting in loss of nitrogen from soil:
NH4+ + OH−  NH3 + H2O
THE CHEMISTRY OF GARDENING

HYDROPONICS
Hydroponics is a method of growing
plants without soil.
Useful in situations where land is scarce or when
soil is not suitable for growing crops

Water culture
Plant is supported by a framework with its roots
immersed in a nutrient solution

Sand or gravel culture

Plant is rooted in sand or gravel. Nutrient solution
is supplied to sand or gravel from above the
culture

Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)

Shallow stream of dissolved nutrients is recycled
past exposed roots of plant
THE CHEMISTRY OF GARDENING
PEST CONTROL
Chemical
Affects all organisms that come
into contact with the chemicals,
including non-target species
Toxic to humans
Affects water quality and aquatic
life
Pest becomes resistant over
time.
Toxic chemicals accumulates in
organisms and are passed down
the food chain.
Biological
Affects only those concerned
No toxic chemicals required
No adverse effects on the
environment or water quality
Population of natural enemies
must be controlled.
Farmers have to be educated
about the biology of pests and
their natural enemies.