For corn, which combination of soil type, soil pH, and amount of fertilizer (soil nutrients) is BEST for crop quality and the amount of corn harvested? (2 points) Responses

silt with a pH of 7 with moderate fertilizer (soil nutrients)
silt with a pH of 6 and moderate fertilizer (soil nutrients)
sand with a pH of 7 with high fertilizer (soil nutrients)
sand with a pH of 6 and moderate fertilizer (soil nutrients)
sand with a pH of 6 and high fertilizer (soil nutrients)
sand with a pH of 7 with moderate fertilizer (soil nutrients)
silt with a pH of 6 and high fertilizer (soil nutrients)
silt with a pH of 7 with high fertilizer (soil nutrients)

1 answer

For optimal corn crop quality and yield, the most favorable combination among the options provided is:

silt with a pH of 7 with high fertilizer (soil nutrients)

Explanation:

  1. Soil Type: Silt is generally more conducive to crop production than sand because it holds moisture and nutrients better, providing a more supportive environment for crops like corn.

  2. Soil pH: Corn typically thrives in a neutral pH range (around 6.0 to 7.5), with a pH of 7 being ideal for nutrient availability.

  3. Fertilizer (Soil Nutrients): High fertilizer levels can significantly improve crop yield, provided that other factors such as water availability are also managed properly.

Thus, combining silt, a neutral pH of 7, and high levels of fertilizer offers the best conditions for both quality and quantity of corn harvested.