Soil Physical and Chemical Quality and Management in Organic Production

Hailin Zhang Department of Plant and Soil Sciences Oklahoma State University

What makes up soils?

Air 25% OM 2%

Sand Silt Clay

Mineral 48%

Water 25%

Soil Is a Living Body

USDA

Soil Properties
Physical

Texture Structure Chemical Fertility pH Soluble salts Biological Microorganism population-life in the soil

Clay Sandy Clay Loamy Sand Sand

Clay Loam Sandy Clay Loam Sandy Loam

Silty Clay Silty Clay Loam

Silt Loam

Loam

Silt

% Sand

Water holding capacity and movement

NRCS

Improving Soil Physical Condition

Adding Adding

organic material gypsum for alkali soils

pH and Buffer Index

Soil

pH is a measure of the acidity and alkalinity of the soil; Nutrient availability is related to pH; Crops can only grow well in certain pH ranges; Liming is the most economical and effective method to raise soil pH

Ammonia cleaner

9.0

pH value defines relative acidity or basicity

Most productive soils

8.0

Medium Slight Slight Moderate Medium

7.0
6.0

Basic

Strong

Pure water
Acid
Vinegar Lemon juice

5.0 4.0

Strong

Very strong

Apply lime well ahead of planting to correct soil acidity

Essential Plant Nutrients C H O N

P K

16 Essential Elements Cl
Mn Mo

Ca Mg S Fe
Zn

Cu

Negatively Charged Colloids Attract Cations

K+ --Ca++

Soil Colloid
- Mg++

H+ -

Ca++

Na+

Clay and Organic Matter Have Greatest Influence on CEC

Clay 10-150 meq/100g

Organic matter 200-400 meq/100g

Organic matter has a higher CEC (cation exchange capacity)

Nutrient balance is the key for success

Improper nutrients

Right nutrients

Soil Soluble Salts Affect Plant Growth

EC (mmhos/cm)
0 4 8 12 16

Saline

ESP % 15

Normal Increased salt hazard

Sodic Saline-Sodic
30

Over Fertilization
Salts

build up in the

soil Alters soil pH Unbalanced growth

More vegetative, less reproductive growth More disease and less winter hardy

Soil Tests Serve Two Basic Functions

Provide a starting point for

developing fertilizer and liming program

Monitor nutrient level to keep the

fertilizer program on track

Get a Useful Sample

15-20 cores Soil Probe Right Depth (plow layer or 6 inches Clean Bucket
OSU Cooperative Extension

Soil Tests at OSU

Secondary Nutrients Sulfur Magnesium Calcium Micronutrients Iron Zinc Boron Soil Organic Matter, Soil Texture, Soil Salinity Compost, Animal Manure, Irrigation Water

Routine pH Buffer Index Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium

Summary
Soil properties are important for plant growth There are 16 essential plant nutrients Soil testing is important for successful organic production An representative sample is needed to ensure reliable test results Balanced fertilizer program is critical

Soil, Water and Forage Analytical Laboratory http://www.soiltesting.okstate.edu