Fundamentals of Soils ACP

(Plant Crops)

Fundamentals of Soil

• How good it grows crops?
• How much water it can hold?
• How much water it releases and drains?
• How much air it can hold for roots to breathe?
• How much fertilizer it can hold?
• How much it weighs?

As Farmers, What Might We Want To Change About a Soil?

• First, understand your soil
• Next, understand what must be added to the soil to change and improve it

Soils can be changed to help plants grow better and make work easier. How?

Is One Soil Best for Everything?

• Soil Texture & Soil Structure
• Root Zone Depth

Physical Characteristic of Soil

• Mineral
• Pore Spaces
• Organic matter

Soil Components

Mineral Components

How to check mineral component and soil type?

Clay - Holds excellent water and fertilizer. Air to the roots a big problem. Silt - Holds some water and fertilizer. Air to the roots can become a problem. Sand - Does not hold water or fertilizers. Excellent air to the roots.

Characteristic of Soil Texture

Plant Roots and Their Need for Air

Plant Roots and Their Need for Air

Pore Space in Soil in Irrigation

• Compost
• Sphagnum or Peat moss
• Manure
• Sawdust and wood shavings
• Coconut coir

Example of Organics

+info

Improve soil structure and texture

Third Step

Releases plant nutrients.

Second Step

Attached by organism and starts to rot.

First Step

What happens to organic in the soil?

• Soil Texture & Soil Structure
• Root Zone Depth

Physical Characteristic of Soil

Silt

Clay

Sand

Root Zone Depth and Soil Texture

Root Zone Depth and Plant Size

• pH (potential of Hydrogen)??
• Nutrients??

How about chemical components of soil?

Ideal for plants

pH range for plants

pH (potential of Hydrogen

How soil pH affects availability of plant nutrients?

Sulfur Lowers Soil pH

Lime Raises Soil pH

How many can I adjust the pH?

How can I know the available nutrients and pH of soil?

Soil Sampling

Source: Regional Soil Laboratory

• First step in Land Preparation for vegetable, field crops, and fruit trees.
• Soil analysis is a valuable tool in determining the fertility status of the soil and the necessary inputs required for efficient and economic production.

Soil Sampling/ Analysis

Source: Regional Soil Laboratory

• A proper soil test will help ensure the application of enough fertilizer to meet the requirements of the crop while taking advantage of the nutrients already present in the soil.

Soil Sampling/ Analysis

• Measure the nutrient content or availability in the soil
• Identify nutrient deficiency
• Determine the soil pH if acidic or alkaline
• Lime and Sulfur Adjustments for soil pH

Purpose of Soil Sampling

1. Prepare soil sampling tools:
2. Clean Bucket
3. Shovel or Spade
4. Trowel

Procedure in collecting Soil Sample

• Use clean sampling tools and containers.
• Never use tools or containers that have been used for mixing or applying fertilizer or limestone.

DO NOT CONTAMINATE THE SAMPLE

1. Take soil from a minimum of 10 random locations (x) in the sampled area and mix together in a clean bucket.

Procedure in collecting Soil Sample

A good soil sample should be represented of the Area

A good soil sample should be represented of the Area

1. Clear all debris, weeds, stones, that can affect you from getting soil samples in 1 meter radius.

Procedure in collecting Soil Sample

For Vegetable Crop:

• 15-30 cm

• 30-60 cm

1. Dig a hole until you reach the prescribe depth.

Procedure in collecting Soil Sample

Different Tool, Different Procedure

Follow the “V” shape rule. Dig only in 2 sides

Excess soil must be remove using trowel

FRONT VIEW

TOP VIEW

2-3 CENTIMETERS

3-5 INCHES

Note: Air-dry soil sample if moist

1. Mix the samples thoroughly and remove foreign materials like roots, stones, pebbles and gravels.

1. All samples should be collected and put in a clean bucket.

Procedure in collecting Soil Sample

1. Reduce the collected soil about 1 kilogram by using quartering method.

Procedure in collecting Soil Sample

Quartering Method

1. Put the soil sample in a clean plastic bag or zipped bag.

Procedure in collecting Soil Sample

Source: Regional Soil Laboratory

Crops to be planted

Date and Time of Sample Collection

Farm Area

Location of Sample Source

Address

Name of Farmer/Client

1. Label the soil sample with required information:

Procedure in collecting Soil Sample

Note: Soil analysis with fertilizer recommendation is free for farmers

Source: Regional Soil Laboratory

P100

P250

P250

P250

Soil pH

Available Potassium (K)

Available Phosphorous (P)

Percent of Organic Matter (N)

Prescribed Fees for Soil Test

1. Send your sample in the nearest soil testing laboratory.

Procedure in collecting Soil Sample

Example of Soil Analysis Result of MoCA Family Farm RLearning Center, Inc.

High

High

High

6.2

6.5

Vegetable Garden

Magnesium

Potassium

Phosphorus

pH Result

Target pH

Crop

MoCA Family Farm Rlearning Center Soil Analysis Result (Last 2013)

0 kg per 100 sq. ft.

0 kg per 100 sq. ft.

0 kg per 100 sq. ft.

.091 kg (91 gram) per 100 sq. ft.

2.13 kgs per 100 sq. ft.

Vegetable Garden

Magnesium

Potassium

Phosphorus

Nitrogen

Lime

Crop

MoCA Family Farm RLearning Center Soil Lime and Fertilizer Recommendation (Last 2013)

• Soils should be dry enough to dig when sampling.
• Vegetable Garden should be sampled every 1 to 2 years
• Ornamentals should be sampled every 2 to 3 years

When and How Often Should Soils Be Tested?

End