Soils and Gardening

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Soils and Gardening

• Soil and Water Conservation District of Lake
  County
• Nick Spittlemeister

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Presentation Outline

• General Soils Information
• Introduction to Soils and Soil Formation
• Soil Color, Texture, Structure
• Soil pH-Acidity Alkalinity
• Phosphorus as a Pollutant
• Soil Amendments
• Fertilizers
• Organic Matter (Compost)
• pH Amendments (Sulfur, Lime)
• Miscellaneous Problems-Salt Spray
• Resources References

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Introduction to Soils

• Soils function in our ecosystems in five key
  ways.
• Plants cannot sustain life without soil

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Soils are a Medium for the Growth of Plants

• Plant roots in soil
• Foundation for roots
• Regulate temps
• Key nutrient elements supplied
• Soil pores
• Supply roots with O2 and allow CO2 to vent off
• Allow roots access to water
• Protect plants from phytotoxic substances
• Soil types strongly influence/determine the
  nature of the vegetation present in a given area
• Can also prevent the growth of certain plants

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Soil Terminology

• Soil Profile
• vertical section exposing layers or horizons of a
  soil
• Soil Horizons
• distinctive, yet highly variable soil layers,
  typically parallel the ground surface
• Soil Texture
• In mineral soil, percentage of sand, silt, and
  clay.

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Soil Horizons

• O undecomposed or decomposing organic matter,
  usually at the surface of forest soils.
• A organic material and mineral matter darker
  colors commonly called topsoil.
• The preferred soil horizon for plant growth
• E leached zone usually lighter color
• B zone of accumulation of clays, iron and
  aluminum oxides, gypsum, or CaCO2
• Very hard, lightly colored compacted soil (silty
  clay loam)
• C relatively unweathered, unconsolidated parent
  material
• R rock parent material

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Four Major Soil Components

• Mineral inorganic materials derived from
  weathering/erosion of rock.
• Organic Matter comes from living organisms,
  remains of dead organisms, and other organic
  compounds (influence fertility, water-holding
  abilities).
• Water held within soil pores contains
  dissolved organic and inorganic substances
  (really a soil solution) its pH is crucial for
  plant growth.
• Air also held within soil pores varies within
  a soil high relative humidity is common CO2 is
  higher, O2 lower than atmosphere displaced by
  water.

½ water, ½ air
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Soil Forming Factors

• 1.) Parent Material
• Vary greatly and their nature has a profound
  influence on soil characteristics, especially
  things like texture, and chemical and mineral
  composition.
• Three types of Parent Material Residual,
  Transported, and Organic
• 2.) Climate
• Effects on soil development are seen
• directly in the form of effective precipitation
  and temperature, and
• indirectly through its influence on natural
  vegetation
• 3.) Biota
• Living Organisms Plants and Animals
• 4.) Topography
• Influences soil loss, water infiltration, local
  climate, drainage, and parent materials
• 5.) Time

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Parent Material

• Parent material has had a great impact on the
  soils of northeastern Illinois
• Is a major factor in determining the pH of the
  soil

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Biota A-Horizon Development Grassland vs. Forest
soils (a classic comparison)

• Grassland soils have a tremendous amount of
  organic matter added to them due to the root
  systems of grassland plants.
• A horizons tend to be very dark and thick.
• In forests, organic matter is added to soils
  primarily by leaf accumulation.
• Much thinner A horizons or may be missing
  entirely.

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Soil Properties

• Soil Color
• Measurement
• Condition Indicator
• Soil Texture
• Texture Triangle
• Texture by Feel
• Soil Structure

Mollisol
Alfisol
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Soil Color Measurement

• Munsell Soil Color Books provide standardized
  system based on
• hue (main color, usually yellows and reds)
• value (lightness or darkness, 0-?)
• chroma (intensity of brightness, 0-?)
• Samples compared to color chips in book.
• Soil moisture conditions are noted as this has an
  effect on colors.
• For example
• Munsell color 10 YR 5/6,
• means
• hue is 10 Yellow Red
• value is 5 (moderately intense)
• chroma is 6 (relatively light)

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Soil colors may indicate a number of things

• White or light grey
• leaching in humid climate
• or calcium carbonate in arid, semi-arid climates
• Black or dark brown
• organic matter-rich
• Orange or red
• iron-rich
• Gray, bluish, grey-green (gleyed)
• anaerobic conditions

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Soil Texture-Mineral Soil

• Proportion of different sized mineral particles
  (textural classes).
• Refers to a major size class of individual soil
  particles or soil separate (sand, silt, clay).
• Usually applies to proportion of different
  particles in fine earth fraction (particles lt2 mm
  in diameter).
• Soil Particle Sizes
• Sand
• Size 0.05 mm to 2mm
• Silt
• Size 0.002 mm to 0.05 mm
• Clay
• Size Less than 0.002 mm

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Soil Particles

• Sand
• Soil voids between sand grains are large, surface
  area is relatively low (compared to other smaller
  sized particles)
• Noncohesive
• the individual particles do not stick together
• Water moves through sand easily and the particles
  do not hold much water, which means sandy soils
  tend to be droughty.
• Silt
• Pores between silt particles are smaller than in
  sand, consequently silt holds more water but has
  slower infiltration rates than sand.
• Low stickiness (cohesion), low plasticity
  (malleability) means silts are easily washed away
  by flowing water (high potential for fluvial
  erosion).
• Clay
• Particles have tremendously large surface area
• means they have the largest water holding
  capacity
• Very sticky (cohesive) and high plasticity
  (malleability)
• May behave as colloids
• stay suspended indefinitely in fluids (like blood
  cells in blood stream)
• Movements of water and air are very slow.

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Soil Texture Classes

• 12 textural classes, keyed to textural triangle
• sand, loamy sand, sandy loam, fine sandy loam,
  very fine sandy loam, loam, silt loam, silt,
  sandy clay loam, silty clay loam, clay loam,
  sandy clay, silty clay, clay
• Loam (only term not self-explanatory)
• mix of sand, silt, and clay exhibits properties
  of these textures in equal amounts (doesn't mean
  an equal mix).
• Modifiers indicate which particular separate is
  dominant in the loam.
• Coarse fragment modifiers added where
  appropriate.
• For example, stoney, silty clay loam textures in
  some of the soils of the lowlands surrounding L.
  Superior.

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Determining Soil Texture-Hand Texturing by the
Feel Method

• Textural classes determined in field by hand.
• Process involves a great deal of practice, but
  some soil scientists become experts at it.
• For example,
• sand has a gritty feel to it, will not form a
  ball
• silt is non-gritty, feels like flour (smooth and
  silky), and will form a ball and short ribbon
  when moist
• clay feels greasy, will form long ribbon when
  moist.

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Soil Structure

• Arrangement (shape, size, distinctness) of
  primary soil particles into aggregates or peds.
• Influences water movement, transfer of heat, soil
  aeration, etc.
• Described in the field based on
• type (shape),
• size (fine, medium, coarse varies with the
  types)
• grade (degree of development or distinctiveness,
  such as strong, moderate, weak).
• Based on shape, there are four major types of
  soil structure

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Soil pH

• pH is the measure of the acidity or alkalinity in
  the soil.
• Ranges from 0 14, below 7 is considered acidic,
  and above 7 is considered alkaline
• Most common soil pH classes
• Extremely acid 3.5 4.4
• Very strongly acid 4.5 5.5
• Moderately acid 5.6 6.0
• Slightly acid 6.1 6.5
• Neutral 6.6 7.3
• Slightly alkaline 7.4 7.8
• Moderately alkaline 7.9 8.4
• Strongly alkaline 8.5 9.0

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What Controls the Soil pH?

• The acidity or alkalinity in soils have several
  different sources.
• pH is affected (naturally) variably by
• Mineralogy (Bedrock/Substrate)
• Climate
• Weathering
• pH is also affected by soil management
• Fertilizers (acid-forming nitrogen fertilizers)
• Organic Matter

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Soil pH-Availability of Nutrients

• Soil pH influences the solubility of nutrients,
  thus affecting the availability of several
  important plant nutrients.
• pH range of 6 to 7 is generally most favorable
  for plant growth because plant nutrients are most
  readily available in this range.
• Soils with a soil pH below 5.5 have low available
  calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, while
  solubility is high for iron, aluminum and boron.
• At pH of 7.8 or more, calcium and magnesium are
  abundant, while phosphorus, iron, copper, boron
  have inadequate availabilities

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Soil pH-Some Plant Preferences

• The optimum pH for most plants and soil
  microorganisms is between 6.0 and 7.0
• However, some plants have niches, and can thrive
  in fairly alkaline or acidic soils
• Look to native plants of a region
• Some examples of plants in extreme pHs
• Alkaline Soils Aster, Geranium, Carnation,
  Sunflower, Lewisia, Magnolia, Yew, Barberry,
  Juniper, Boxwood, Spirea, Lilac, Currant, Smoke
  Tree, Mountain Ash, Maple, Hawthorn, Sumac
• Acidic Soils Alyssum, Crocus, Ferns, Strawberry,
  Blueberry, Witch Hazel, Ivy, Rhododendrons,
  Birch, Magnolia, Crabapples, Spruce, Hemlock,
  Fir, Pine

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Soil Nutrients

• Primary Nutrients-are needed in large quantities
  
• Nitrogen (N) Nitrate Nitrogen- 20-60 lbs/acre
• Potassium (K) 300 lbs/acre
• Phosphorus (P) 40-60 lbs/acre
• Secondary Nutrients-needed in lesser quantities
• Calcium (Ca)
• Magnesium (Mg)
• Sulfur (S)
• Micronutrients-required in very small amounts
• Zinc (Zn)
• Manganese (Mn)

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Macronutrient Functions

• Nitrogen (N) Is a component of chlorophyll
  (green color) in plants, thus giving plants the
  rich green color characteristic of a healthy
  plant. When used at recommended rates, nitrogen
  improves the quality of leaf crops (especially
  corn).
• Phosphorus (P) encourages root development and
  increases the ratio of grain to straw, as well as
  total yield.
• Potassium (K) enhances disease resistance, fruit
  size, flavor, texture, and development.
  Contributes to thicker cuticle (waxy layer) which
  guards against disease and water loss.

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Phosphorus (P)-Are you fertilizing more than your
Lawn?

• Phosphorus turns lakes and rivers green by
  stimulating algal growth. This interferes with
  plant growth and reduces oxygen available to
  fish.
• A common cause of excess phosphorus is runoff.
  Most of our soils in the county have adequate P.
• Nitrogen, not phosphorus makes the grass greener.
  Phosphorus free fertilizer sill contains
  nitrogen.
• The storm drain on your street is a link to the
  rivers and lakes in the county.

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Phosphorus (P)-What can do in your own backyard?

• Keep leaves, seeds, and lawn clippings out of
  gutters, streets, and ditches.
• Pick up pet waste promptly.
• Control soil erosion around homes.

• Leave buffer of native plants between lake and
  home to reduce runoff and phosphorus.
• Use phosphorus-free fertilizer (middle umber
  equal to 0)

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Phosphorus Bans

• State of Minnesota has a state-wide ban
• Similar legislation has been introduced in the
  Illinois Legislature by Senator Garrett of Lake
  Forest.
• Legislation is also pending in both Wisconsin and
  Michigan.
• Lake County Municipalities Associations with
  Bans
• Antioch, Lindenhurst, Third Lake, Round Lake
  Beach, Round Lake Park, Vernon Hills, Countryside
  Lake Association, and Loch Lomond Lake Association

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Garden Amendments

• Fertilizer
• Lawn v. Garden Fertilizers
• Starter Fertilizers
• Organic Matter
• Compost
• Manure
• Peat
• Mulch
• pH Amendments
• Lime
• Elemental Sulfur
• Aluminum Sulfate
• Wood Ash

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How to read a fertilizer bag?
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Types of Fertilizer

• Lawn Fertilizer
• Nitrogen rich fertilizer-provides the dark green
  color to grasses
• 29-0-5 Fertilizer
• Winterizers
• 23-3-14 Fertilizer
• May contain herbicides and other chemicals
  detrimental to broad-leaf plants (Weed Feeds)
• Garden Fertilizer
• Generally a balanced nutrient fertilizer (all
  purpose fertilizer)
• 10-10-10 Fertilizer
• 20-20-20 Fertilizer
• Starter Fertilizer
• Contains phosphorus (P) to help induce healthy
  start to plants growth cycle, very popular in
  liquid form
• 18-24-16 Fertilzer

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Organic Matter

• What is Organic Matter?
• Plant or animals remains that are in various
  stages of decomposition
• Well-decomposed organic matter forms humus, a
  dark brown, porous, spongy material
• In most mineral soils, organic matter accounts
  for less than 5 of the soil volume

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What Does Organic Matter Do?

• Provides a carbon and energy source for soil
  microbes
• Stores and supplies important soil nutrients
• Maintains soil in an uncompacted condition with
  lower bulk density
• Aids the growth of plants by improving the soils
  ability to store and transmit air and water

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Types of Organic Matter for your Garden

• Manure
• Barnyard manure
• Dried manure
• Compost
• Home compost
• Mushroom compost
• Peat Moss
• Sphagnum moss
• Hypnum moss
• Reed-sedge peat
• Decomposed peat (very fine and black)
• Grass Clippings
• Wood Products
• Mulch
• Sawdust/Wood shavings

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Tumbling Composters for Sale

• 130.00 each
• Made with recycled components, including a pre-
• used 55-gallon black barrel and 100 recycled
• lumber. Approximately 4 ft. tall and requires
  only a 3
• ft. x 4 ft. area to spin the barrel and properly
  aerate
• the compost. Using a rocking motion to build
• momentum, it is relatively easy to turn. The
• composting action will rapidly reduce the content
  of
• the barrel to less than half its starting volume.
• Features and benefits
• Holds an impressive 7.3 cu. ft. of material
• Low maintenance, nothing to clog up
• Pest proof, fully enclosed, off-the-ground
• Avoids odor problems by controlling moisture and
  aeration
• Provides insulation to aid heating of compost
• Dimensions 36" wide x 36" deep x 46" tall, weight
  45 lbs.
• Easy mixing and turning of compost materials
• 5-year manufacturer's warranty

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pH Amendments

• Myth Lime is the cure-all soil amendment
• Raising the pH
• Palletized lime-weaker substitute for crushed
  limestone
• Agricultural (crushed) limestone
• Rule if the limestone is finely ground, the
  reaction is faster
• Wood Ash
• Mushroom Compost
• Reducing the pH-Chemical amendments that contain
  sulfur generally form an acid, which lowers the
  soil pH
• Aluminum sulfate
• Elemental sulfur
• Generally, sulfur/sulfate is not recommended
  unless pH is above 7.50

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pH Amendments-Wood Ash

• Wood ashes can be used to raise the soil pH.
• They are not as effective as limestone but with
  repeated use, they can drastically raise the pH
  value of a soil, especially if the soil is sandy
  in texture.
• Avoid using large amounts of wood ashes because
  excessively high pH values and subsequent
  nutrient deficiencies may result.
• They also contain small amounts of potassium,
  phosphorus, boron and other elements
• Use Ashes should not come in contact with
  germinating seedlings or plant roots as they may
  cause damage. Spread a thin layer during the
  winter and incorporate into the soil in the
  spring.

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Aluminum Sulfate v. Elemental Sulfur

• Aluminum sulfate will change the soil pH
  instantly because the aluminum produces the
  acidity as soon as it dissolves in the soil.
• Sulfur, however, requires some time for the
  conversion to sulfuric acid with the aid of soil
  bacteria.
• Dependent on soil moisture and soil temperature
• The conversion rate of sulfur may be very slow
  and take several months if the conditions are not
  ideal.
• Price Aluminum sulfate is much more expensive
  than elemental sulfur. Both of these products can
  be purchase at most garden centers or feed stores

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Miscellaneous Problems-Salt Damage

• Salt tolerant flower and grass varieties
• Also referred to as boulevard or parkway plants
  or seed
• Some of the species include
• Flowers Shrubs Cliff Columbine, Snapdragon,
  Barren Strawberry, Juniper, Marigold,
  Chrysanthemum, Geranium, Serviceberry,
  Juneberry, Wintergreen
• Trees Black Locust, Black Oak, Bur Oak,
  Arborvitae, White Oak, Red Oak, Blue Spruce, Jack
  Pine
• Grasses Little Bluestem, Fults Puccinellia, Red
  Fuscue, Hard Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass, Creeping
  Bentgrass, Alkaligrass
• Some distributors offer salt tolerant mixes
  (ConserveFS)

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A Great Resource for Gardeners

• University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners
• 847-223-8627
• Beginning March 30th, Monday and Thursday, 9am to
  3pm
• 100 S. Hwy 45 in Grayslake
• Lake County Extension Garden Blog
• http//lake.extension.uiuc.edu

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Reference and Sources

• Lake County Health Department Lakes Management
  Unit-Phosphorus Fertilizer Information
• Northern Michigan University, GC 202, Dr. John
  Anderton
• University of Wisconsin-Stevens
  Point-http//www.uwsp.edu/geo/faculty/ritter/geog1
  01/textbook/soil_systems/soil_orders_p2.html
• Soil Quality Indicators pH. USDA Natural
  Resources Conservation Service, Jan. 1998.
• Soil Quality Indicators Organic Matter. USDA
  Natural Resources Conservation Service, April,
  1996.
• Clemson University Extension
• University of Illinois Extension
• University of Wisconsin Extension