Soil in the Vegetable Garden: Soil in the Vegetable Garden: Soil in the Vegetable Garden: Soil in the Vegetable Garden: Its’ characteristics, preparation & Its’ characteristics, preparation & management management management management Mitchell Mote Mitchell Mote Extension Agent UT / TSU Extension UT / TSU Extension Rutherford County
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Soil in the Vegetable Garden: Soil in the Vegetable Garden: Soil in the Vegetable Garden: Soil in the Vegetable Garden: Its’ characteristics, preparation & Its’ characteristics, preparation & managementmanagementmanagementmanagement
The ability to supply the necessary y pp y yelements to plants in adequate quantities when needed (fertility)( y)Deep enough to insure adequate rooting for plant stability and productionp y pStability: resist washing or blowing away
The Formation of SoilThe Formation of SoilThe Formation of SoilThe Formation of Soil
Soil is formed over many Soil is formed over many years by the physical or chemical weathering of rock.Parent material refers to those rocks or deposits those rocks or deposits from which a soil develops.Deposits from wind and water also influence soil developmentdevelopment
Soil ProfileSoil ProfileSoil ProfileSoil Profile
M il Most soils are arranged in 3 distinct l h i
A = Topsoil
layers or horizons.The principle horizons are collectively called the
B = Subsoil
soil profile.C = Parent Matter
The Formation of SoilThe Formation of SoilThe Formation of SoilThe Formation of Soil
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service lists 8 Major Land Resource Areas in Tennessee
Nashville or Central Basin (that’s Nashville or Central Basin (that’s us)us)
The Nashville or Central Basin is predominately hilly and steep with widely scattered tracts of rolling landgSoils range from shallow to deep over rockPasture and forest occupy the largest acreageacreage
Soil CompositionSoil Composition((Of a Good Soil)Of a Good Soil)
Water & Air 50% (by volume)Water & Air - 50% (by volume)Soil Mineral Matter - 48.5% (¨)Living Organisms - .5% (¨)g g ( )Organic Matter - 1% (¨)
Water & AirWater & AirWater & AirWater & Air
Saturation
Fi ld C itField Capacity
PermanentPermanent Wilting Point
Living Living OrganismsOrganismsLiving Living OrganismsOrganisms
.5%
Organic Organic Matter (OM)Matter (OM)
Enhances development of structure
Organic Organic Matter (OM)Matter (OM)1%
E t MEnhances development of structure.
Stabilizes soil structure
Eat MoreChicken
Stabilizes soil structure.
Source of nutrientsSource of nutrients (OM contains 5% N and 0.5% P & S)
Large nutrient andLarge nutrient and water holding capacity
Soil Soil Physical Physical Properties Properties –– difficult to change difficult to change
Landscape PositionSlopeRooting DepthColorD iDrainagePresence of Rock FragmentsSoil TextureSoil TextureOdor – may be a chemical property
Soil TextureSoil TextureSoil TextureSoil TextureThe mineral portion of the soil is made up of a mixture of 3 base particles; sand, silt and clay. Their proportions in the soil determine textureThey differ in size and compositionSand and silt are larger; mostly crushed quartz, f ld i h bl d & i ( il ’ b feldspar, mica, hornblende & augite (silt can’t be seen without a microscope)Clay is much smaller particles not visible Clay is much smaller, particles not visible without extreme magnification; composed mostly of minerals formed by the chemical mostly of minerals formed by the chemical breakdown of sand and silt
Soil TextureSoil TextureSoil TextureSoil Texture
The Size of Soil ParticlesThe Size of Soil Particles
Medium SiltMedium Silt
FineCoarseClay
SandClay
Soil TextureSoil TextureSoil TextureSoil Texture
Loam- a mixture of sand, silt and clay in relatively equal concentration that’s e at ve y equa co ce t at o t at s considered ideal for agricultural uses. Soil texture classifications are based on Soil texture classifications are based on the percentages of sand, silt and clay12 texture classes have been established12 texture classes have been established
Percent 100
90 Percent10Clay 80
70
Percent Silt20
30Soil 70
60
30
40
50
Soil
Textural 50
40
50Textural
Triangle 60
30
20
g70
80
10 90
100
Percent Sand
102030405060708090100
Soil TextureSoil TextureSoil TextureSoil Texture3 soil textural groups; can be determined with the finger testFinger Test- wet soil sample to the g pconsistency of putty; form a ½”-¾” diameter ball; press the ball between thumb/finger & try to form a ribbonCoarse texture- won’t form a ribbonMedium texture- short ribbon, breaks easilyFine texture- ribbon holds together well
Importance of Soil TextureImportance of Soil TextureImportance of Soil TextureImportance of Soil Texture
Soil texture affects:◦ Water and nutrient holding capacity◦ Water infiltration rate◦ Water movement in the soil◦ Root penetrationp◦ Ease of tillage◦ MoreMore
Available Water Holding Capacity Available Water Holding Capacity (AWHC) of Soil Textural Groups(AWHC) of Soil Textural Groups
f S i CTexture of Soil Average AWHC(inches/inch of soil)
Coarse 0 05Coarse 0.05
Medium 0.20
Fine 0.15
Soil Chemical Soil Chemical Properties Properties –– more more readily manipulated readily manipulated
Soil Chemical PropertiesSoil Chemical PropertiesSoil Chemical PropertiesSoil Chemical Properties
Two chemical properties are easy to p p ymeasure accurately and are fairly easy to manipulate:ppHNutrient levelsNutrient levels
Elements functions contElements functions contElements functions cont.Elements functions cont.
Molybdenum – Aids nitrogen fixation and y gnitrate assimilation.Cobalt – Essential for nitrogen fixation.Coba t sse t a o t oge at o .Nickel – Grain filling, seed viability.Chlorine Water useChlorine – Water use.Oxygen – Hydrogen – Carbon are
d f t l tcompounds of most plants.
Soil pH Soil pH Soil pH Soil pH Soil pH refers to the amount of hydrogen p y g(H) ions or acidity found in soils.Acid levels increase as basic nutrients c eve s c ease as bas c ut e ts (Ca, Mg, K) are replaced from the soil by hydrogeny gBasic nutrients are removed by plants, leached or erodedleached, or erodedAcid forming (N) fertilizers increase acid levelslevels
Soil pH Soil pH
The pH scale ranges from 0-14; most TN The pH scale ranges from 0-14; most TN soils range from 4.5-7.57 is neutral; <7 is acid; >7 is basic7 is neutral; <7 is acid; >7 is basicNutrient availability is directly affected by HpH.
Soil pH and Its Effects on Nutrient Soil pH and Its Effects on Nutrient AvailabilityAvailability
BASIC SOIL BASIC SOIL
An introduction to the few things we can do to enhance a soils’ productivity
BASIC SOIL BASIC SOIL MANAGEMENTMANAGEMENT
It’s difficult to plot a course for aIt s difficult to plot a course for a journey if you don’t know where
’ t ti i t iyou’re starting point is.
It’s equally difficult to effectively manage your garden’s soil if youmanage your garden s soil if you don’t have some basic information about it to begin with.
Soil TestingSoil TestingSoil TestingSoil Testing
A way to measure the soil’s chemical A way to measure the soil s chemical properties that we can manipulate“Don’t Guess Soil Test!”Don t Guess, Soil Test!◦ A basic soil test can be conducted through your
county Extension officecounty Extension office.◦ Charge: $7/sample (for basic soil test)◦ Takes about 2 weeks to receive the results◦ Takes about 2 weeks to receive the results.◦ A basic soil test will indicate the pH value,
Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) content Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) content, Calcium (C) and Magnesium (Mg) content
S il T tiS il T tiSoil TestingSoil Testing
When to sample:When to sample:◦ Soils can be analyzed at any time of the year,
however fall is a desirable time because:however fall is a desirable time because:Fields are drier and more accessible and the lab is not as busy. (*Soil samples must be dry when submitted to the lab.)Testing in fall allows recommended rates of lime to be applied well in advance of spring planting (giving it a applied well in advance of spring planting (giving it a chance to work before planting)
S il T tiS il T tiSoil TestingSoil Testing
H OfHow Often:◦ Before planting a new garden or landscape area;
hthen:Lawns/Gardens/Ornamental beds—every 3 –5 years or if you suspect a problem5 years or if you suspect a problem.
Soil Sampling for a Good Soil TestSoil Sampling for a Good Soil TestSoil Sampling for a Good Soil TestSoil Sampling for a Good Soil Test
What is a good soil test?g◦ One that is accurate!How do you insure a good soil test?How do you insure a good soil test?◦ Collect a representative sample!
S il Sam lin f r a G d S il TestS il Sam lin f r a G d S il TestSoil Sampling for a Good Soil TestSoil Sampling for a Good Soil Test
Tools Needed:◦ A soil probe, shovel
or spade◦ Bucket◦ Soil test form◦ Soil sample box
S il Sam lin f r a G d S il TestS il Sam lin f r a G d S il TestSoil Sampling for a Good Soil TestSoil Sampling for a Good Soil Test
For lawns and gardens, sub-samples should be collected at random from 8-12 locations.◦ Areas of contrasting soils, problem spots or portions of the
field where crop response is significantly different should be sampled separatelysampled separately.
Sample to a depth of 6”Place each sub-sample in the bucketPlace each sub sample in the bucketMix sub-samples well when they’re all collected; remove plant material & other debris; pull out about a cup to submit to the lab for testing
Soil Sampling for a Good Soil TestSoil Sampling for a Good Soil TestSoil Sampling for a Good Soil TestSoil Sampling for a Good Soil Test
Properly Select the Sampling Area.p y p g◦ The area should not exceed 10 acres.◦ Areas of contrasting soils, problem spots, etc. should
b l d l if iblbe sampled separately if possible.
XX
Collect Adequate SubCollect Adequate Sub--samplessamplesCollect Adequate SubCollect Adequate Sub samplessamples
Collect Good SubCollect Good Sub--samplessamplesCollect Good SubCollect Good Sub samplessamples
What About Sampling Raised and What About Sampling Raised and Other Beds?Other Beds?
That’s a good question, let’s talk about it!g q
Additional Steps to a Good Soil TestAdditional Steps to a Good Soil TestAdditional Steps to a Good Soil TestAdditional Steps to a Good Soil Test
Fill out the information sheet accurately y(look at your example now)For each sample listed in the left column, o eac sa p e ste t e e t co u , you may request recommendations for up to 4 cropspUse crop codes listed on the back of info sheet (if yours isn’t there write it in & be sheet (if yours isn t there, write it in & be specific that it’s for a garden)Info on sample boxes should correspond Info on sample boxes should correspond to the info sheet
Let’s look at a soil test reportLet’s look at a soil test report and try to interpret it!y p
Wh t if H N d t b Adj t d? Wh t if H N d t b Adj t d? What if pH Needs to be Adjusted? What if pH Needs to be Adjusted?
◦ Various lime sources are used to raise soil pH ◦ Various lime sources are used to raise soil pH when it falls below the recommended ranges◦ Most common and economical in TN is Most common and economical in TN is
agricultural limestone; can be calcitic (Ca) or dolomitic (Ca, Mg)◦ UT recommends using elemental sulfur to
adjust soil pH downward (to more acid range) when it is above the recommended ranges when it is above the recommended ranges. (Iron sulfate and aluminum sulfate can also be used.)
ADJUSTING THE SOIL PH ADJUSTING THE SOIL PH LEVELLEVEL
Apply lime to reduce soil acidity. Use no more than 50 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. per application. If more is needed, make split
li ti 6 th t E t l applications 6 months apart. Expect long adjustment period.Apply sulfur to increase soil acidity Use 2 lbs Apply sulfur to increase soil acidity. Use 2 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. for each 0.1 unit change in the pH level. Apply 3 months before planting. Expect pH level. Apply 3 months before planting. Expect extremely short adjustment period. 1/3 more needed on fine textured soil; 1/3 less on ;coarse textured.
Now let’s feed the plants by adding fertilizeradding fertilizer
Fertilizer MaterialsFertilizer Materials
Complete vs. Incomplete Fertilizerp pSlow Release vs. Quick Release FertilizersOrganic Fertilizer
Understanding a Fertilizer Bag/LabelUnderstanding a Fertilizer Bag/LabelUnderstanding a Fertilizer Bag/LabelUnderstanding a Fertilizer Bag/Label
Fertilizer Materials:◦ The analysis on the bag refers to how much
of each nutrient there is in that particular fertilizer, expressed as a percentage.◦ All fertilizers are labeled with 3 numbers that
represent the % of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (expressed as P₂O₅) and Potassium (K₂0).Si l h b N P K◦ Simply put, the numbers represent N, P, K
(Urea), 18-46-0 (diammonium phosphate), 0-0-60 (muriate of potash) etc.
Slow Release Fertilizers: ◦ Contain one or more essential nutrients (usually N) which
are released over an extended time (several weeks or more)◦ Advantages include: fewer applications low burn potential◦ Advantages include: fewer applications, low burn potential.◦ Disadvantages include: delayed plant response◦ Examples include sulfur coated urea (SCU), polymer coated
(PCU) d urea (PCU), and many more
Quick Release Fertilizers:Quick Release Fertilizers:◦ Highly water soluble, nutrients are released and become
readily available to the plants quicklyAd t i l d i k b th l t◦ Advantages include: quick response by the plant
◦ Disadvantages include: greater burn potential, may have to apply more frequently
◦ Examples include ammonium nitrate and many more
Organic fertilizers: the nutrients contained in the product are derived solely from the remains of a once-living organism; usually not
i dvery nutrient denseExamples: cotton-seed meal, blood meal, bone meal
I i th ti f tili◦ Inorganic or synthetic fertilizers: nutrients contained in the product are derived from inorganic materials (minerals); normally from inorganic materials (minerals); normally very nutrient dense compared to organics
Examples: urea 13-13-13 etcExamples: urea, 13-13-13, etc.
Methods for Applying FertilizersMethods for Applying FertilizersMethods for Applying FertilizersMethods for Applying Fertilizers
BroadcastinggBandingFertilization of Planted Area onlyFertilization of Planted Area onlySide dressingsF li F diFoliar Feeding
HOW SHOULD FERTILIZER BE HOW SHOULD FERTILIZER BE SPREAD ?SPREAD ?
Gravity Flow
Centrifugal
Hand
We’ve manipulated the soils’ We ve manipulated the soils chemical properties with f tili d li i t i l fertilizers and liming materials, but can we do anything about the y gphysical properties?
Using Soil ConditionersUsing Soil ConditionersUsing Soil ConditionersUsing Soil ConditionersThe best materials to add to your soil are compost and manure.The addition of this organic matter will:◦ Improve overall soil texture/structure◦ Improve drainage◦ Improve water holding capacity◦ Provide some nutrients
Using Soil ConditionersUsing Soil ConditionersUsing Soil ConditionersUsing Soil Conditioners
Well rotted animal manure is the very best Well-rotted animal manure is the very best material to use, but it can be difficult to obtain.Compost is the ideal way to return as much Compost is the ideal way to return as much organic matter as possible back to the soil, following natures example.g pAll amendments should be well-rotted and dug into the top layer of soil. Avoid using organic matter that is “hot” or not decomposed (like fresh mulch, sawdust, or fresh manure) this
t i l b l tmaterial can burn your plants.
Using Soil ConditionersUsing Soil ConditionersUsing Soil ConditionersUsing Soil Conditioners
Horse ManureHorse ManurePig ManureSheep ManureChicken ManureAlternatives include:◦ Spent mushroom compost, composted pine p p , p p
Typical Composition of Manures:Manures vary greatly in their content of fertilizing nutrients. The kind of feed used, the percentage and type of litter or bedding, the moisture content, and the age and degree of rotting or drying can all modify the composition. In the case of the commercially dried pulverized manures, some nitrogen is y p y p glost in the process. The following data is representative of typical analyses from widely scattered reports. Approximate Composition,
Per Cent Pounds per TonMoisture Nitrogen Phosphoric Acid Potash
Fresh Manure with Normal Quality of Bedding or LitterFresh Manure with Normal Quality of Bedding or LitterCow 86 11 3 10Duck 61 22 29 10Goose 67 22 11 10Hen 73 22 18 10Hog 87 11 6 9Horse 80 13 5 10Sheep 68 20 15 8Steer or feed yard 75 12 7 11Turkey 74 26 14 10Turkey 74 26 14 10Dried Commercial ProductsCow, East 10 42 63 61
West 16 18 15 31Hen, East (with litter) 16 56 57 30
Hog, West 10 45 42 20Rabbit, West 6 45 27 16Sheep, East 10 38 30 40Sheep, East 10 38 30 40
West 9 27 19 41Stockyard, East 8 41 32 36
West 15 41 11 38
Using Soil ConditionersUsing Soil ConditionersUsing Soil ConditionersUsing Soil Conditioners
Green Manure Crops◦ Are grown specifically to add organic matter to g p y g
beds that are empty for a period of time.◦ It is sown with the intention of digging it into gg g
the soil to provide organic matter and plant food.◦ Turn the crops under about 6 weeks before
planting to allow the organic material to break-ddown.
Using Soil ConditionersUsing Soil ConditionersUsing Soil ConditionersUsing Soil Conditioners
Green Manure Crops that act as nitrogen p gfixers:◦ Any legume- winter vetch, red clover, crimson y g
clover, etc
Green Manure Crops that do not fix pnitrogen:◦ Buckwheat, rye, mustard, annual ryegrass, , y , , y g ,
wheat, etc.
SOIL PREPARATIONSOIL PREPARATIONGetting ready to plant and during the fallow season
SOIL PREPARATIONSOIL PREPARATION
Choose a Good LocationChoose a Good LocationChoose a Good LocationChoose a Good Location
Vegetables love the sun; your garden g y gneeds at least 7 hours of sunlight per dayKeep water drainage in mind (fast and eep wate a age ( ast a slow)Deep soil allows deep rootingDeep soil allows deep rootingIs it close to water?C it il ?Can you see it easily?Others…
Be Prepared to be TimelyBe Prepared to be TimelyBe Prepared to be TimelyBe Prepared to be TimelySoil test early enough so needed pH adjustments can take place prior to plantingMake sure tools and power equipment are ready to work when you areTurn green manure crops under at least 6
k b f l iweeks before plantingWork in leaves, compost, etc in the fallB ld d b d d h f llBuild raised beds or temporary ridges in the fallYou can’t control the weather
Working the GroundWorking the GroundWorking the GroundWorking the Ground
Avoid working when wet; working wet g gground leads to clods and increases compaction; raised beds help with thisp pWork as deeply as you can, at least the top 6”. Deeper cultivation encourages p p gdeeper rootingTillers tractors w/plows spades digging Tillers, tractors w/plows, spades, digging forks, etc. can all work well
Working the GroundWorking the GroundWorking the GroundWorking the Ground
Thoroughly mix soil conditioners into the g ysoil to avoid creating drainage issues
Raised BedsRaised BedsRaised BedsRaised Beds
Raised beds have some advantages:g◦ They typically dry out and warm up faster in
the spring than the “flat” garden so they’re often ready to plant earlier◦ Compaction can be reduced due to minimal
foot traffic in the bed◦ It’s more feasible to manipulate the physical
h i i f il i b d h i l characteristics of soil in a bed than in a large plot of ground
Raised BedsRaised BedsRaised BedsRaised Beds
Raised beds have some disadvantages:g◦ They require labor and money (for edging,
etc.) to develop◦ Not well suited to sprawling plants such as
watermelons◦ They dry out faster
Building Raised Beds: Building Raised Beds: There are lots There are lots of options! of options! Example:p
Mark off bed area; fertilize and lime and cover the area with compost, shredded leaves or other OMWork material as deeply into soil as possible with spading fork or tillerEdge the bed- wood, blocks, etcAdd soil/OM mix to finish filling the bed; soil/OM recipe: 50% existing soil, 25% aged
25% tmanure, 25% compost
Building Raised BedsBuilding Raised BedsBuilding Raised BedsBuilding Raised Beds
Double Digging Example:gg g pMark off boundaries; use a spading fork to work the bedDig a trench 1’-2’ wide & one fork length deep across the end of the bed; remove this soil to the far end of the bedAdd lime fertilizer and OM in the trench; use spading Add lime, fertilizer and OM in the trench; use spading fork to loosen soil in bottom of trench to the depth of fork tines & work in materialMove over & dig another trench beside the first, placing the loosened soil on top of the previous trench; add OM mix, loosen soil and mix materials,
Continue process to end of the bedpFill in the last trench with the soil from the firstt e stEdge the bed and DON’T walk on it!You now have a bed that should have a You now have a bed that should have a deep rooting zoneA 180 d b d 688 A 180-pound person burned approx. 688 calories per hour of double digging!
When the Season is Over When the Season is Over –– flat flat gardens or raised beds alikegardens or raised beds alike
Plant green manure crop or…g pWork in shredded leaves, etcPrepare some beds or ridges for spring Prepare some beds or ridges for spring plantingRest up it’s been a long year!Rest up, it s been a long year!