Soils Reportx

Soil Management and Fertilization ReportCSS 200 – Soils and Plant Nutrition

MOBJTPage 13/9/09

Site Description We chose three soil management units within close proximity to each other but representing differenttypes of plantings:

SMU A - A raised flower bedSMU B - A grade level planting bed of woody shrubs and small treesSMUC - An area of turf

SMU A; A raised flower bedThe flower bed is raised about 2 feet above grade. It is about 90 feet long and 11 feet wide. The bed hasa natural rock edging and is planted with small evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs. There isabout 2” of mulch over the surface of the bed. The bed is south facing, runs east to west and has a slightberm up to the center of the bed. Because of orientation and slope, it appears that the bed does not haveany issues of water retention.


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SMU B; A grade level planting bedThe grade level planting bed is about 1050 square feet and wedge-shaped. There is a small arbor withbench in the middle of it. The bed is planted with large deciduous bushes. The bed is south facing. Itappears to have compacted soil and has a 2” layer of mulch over the surface. The bed is generally flatwith a slight depression towards the center. There is a small pond to one edge.

SMU C; An area of turfThe turfed area is open to the south, east and west and is adjacent to a raised flower bed (see SMU A) tothe north. The area is generally flat with a very slight rise to the east and the south. There is a waterdrain towards the center of the turf; this area and the area about six feet around the drain has beenexcluded from this study. The grass appears to have a drainage problem; it can be mucky to walkthrough during a rain event.


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Soil Management Unit A

The raised bed is an elevated berm consisting of a mix of tree and shrub plant material. It has a rock wallcontaining it with an existing layer of mulch spread evenly in and around the shrubs. Plants are spacedsporadically allowing for sufficient sun exposure and air circulation. This bed displays a mixture ofornamental, acid- loving, spring and summer flowering shrubs as well as deciduous and evergreen treesfor students of the LAT department to study and enjoy. Some of these plants include: Lupine, Ilex,Heather, Lavender, Viburnum, a Birch and Pine tree, Japanese maple, Day Lily, and Leycesteria. Allplants seem to demonstrate healthy growth habits and no apparent nutrient deficiencies.

Soil Description

Consistency: The moist soil sample seemed to be composed of a variety of minerals andorganic matter. It broke apart under firm pressure into smaller chunks and wascrumbly.

Color:

10YR 4/3

Infiltration Rate: 12.3“ per hour

Texture: Sand = 2 ml / 15 ml (total) = 13% sand

Silt = 7 ml / 15 ml (total) = 47% siltClay = 6 ml / 15 ml (total) = 40% claySoil sample texture -

borderline: Silty Clay / Silty Clay LoamTexture of soil = Fine

Permeability: Low permeabilityThe higher percentages of silt and clay indicate a fine textured soil whichresults in small pore sizes and a low rate of permeability.


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Soil Test Results

Humus: 3 – Medium (for garden/greenhouse soils)

pH: 5.96pH of 5.96 for this ornamental shrub bed is appropriate

Nitrogen (N): 40 lb/acre * 5 = 20 ppm

Phosphorus (P): 25 lb/acre * 5 = 12.5 ppm

Potassium (K): 300 lb/acre * 5 = 150 ppm

Calcium (Ca): 1400 ppm / 200 = 7 meq.

Magnesium (Mg): Medium; 25 ppm / 121 = .21 meq

Fertilization Recommendations*

LimeRecommendation:

The pH level is appropriate for this type of bed;No amendments are necessary

FertilizerRecommendation:

Since the soil test results for:Phosphorus were less than 25 ppmPotassium were less than 300 pm

A 15-15-15 fertilizer at a rate of 2 lb/100 sf could be applied to this bed.According to the following equation: 1,050 sf * 2/100 =

21 lb of 15-15-15 fertilizer could be applied to this bed.

Organic Fertilizer: If an organic fertilizer is desired, then it is recommended that 42 lb of a 7-3-2fertilizer be applied to this bed.

Application: Sidedress the fertilizer close to the base of the plant materials, making surethat fertilizer granules do not land on leaves of shrubs or trees.Scratch the fertilizer into the top 2” of the soil carefully so roots are notdamaged.Apply irrigation after fertilizing so that plants can absorb nutrients.

Schedule: Apply fertilizer as recommended above in early spring

* Fertilizer recommendations/calculations for SMU A and B are from ‘FertilizingYour Garden’ (EC 1503)


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Soil Management Recommendations

The level of humus for this soil is at acceptable level. However, it is always beneficial to add mulch andorganic matter to a planting bed. It is recommended that 2” of compost be added to this bed in latespring/early summer to prevent moisture loss, regulate summer temperature and prevent erosion.

The fine texture of the soil indicates that the soil is able to hold nutrients well, but that it might have lowpermeability. Adding a layer of compost as recommended above will contribute to the soil structure whichwill in turn allow for better permeability.

The pH is appropriate for this type of bed; no amendments are necessary at this time.

At the time this study was conducted, the shrubs and trees living in this bed are in their dormant season,however, they appear to be thriving and healthy. Fertilizing the bed, while recommended, is optional aslong as the plant materials continue to thrive.

In order to care for your shrub bed, the following are recommendations for ongoing best care practices foryour soil:

• Weed early in growing season.• Add organic matter to the soil in the form of compost• Water deeply and infrequently, about 1” once a week.


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Soil Management Unit B

This grade level planting area is situated between an area of turf, a walking path and workinggreenhouses. It contains a smaller variety of plant material and may serve as a mixed use area with aarbor and bench to offer a place to sit. There is a pond at one end and a subtle depression toward thesoutheast corner of the bed that acts as a drainage basin. There is a layer of mulch spread evenlythroughout the bed. This area contains several different sizes of established Spirea shrubs, a row ofRedtwig dogwood, a cluster of Lavender and Verbena and a Hardy Kiwi trained up the arbor.

Soil Description

Consistency: The moist soil sample was firm, plasticy and sticky. It held up, withoutcrumbling, under pressure.

Color:

10YR 5/3

Infiltration Rate: 30.4” per hour

Texture: Sand = 4.5 ml / 15 ml (total) = 30% sandSilt = 8 ml / 15 ml (total) = 53% siltClay = 2.5 ml / 15 ml (total) = 17% claySoil sample texture – Silt LoamTexture of soil = Course / Medium

Permeability: Good permeabilityThe higher percentages of sand and silt indicate a course/medium textured soilwhich results in larger pore sizes and a high rate of permeability.


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Soil Test Results

Humus: 1 – Very low (for garden/greenhouse soils)

pH: 6.13pH of 6.13 for this ornamental shrub bed is appropriate;


Phosphorus (P): 50 lb/acre * 5 = 25 ppm



Magnesium (Mg): Low; 10 ppm / 121 = .08 meq

Fertilization Recommendations *

LimeRecommendation:

The pH level is appropriate for this type of bed;No amendments are necessary


Since the soil test results for:Phosphorus were equal to 25 ppmPotassium were less than 300 pm

A 15-15-15 fertilizer at a rate of 1.5 lb/100 sf could be applied to this bed.According to the following equation: 990 sf * 1.5/100 =

15 lb of 15-15-15 fertilizer could be applied to this bed.

Organic Fertilizer: If an organic fertilizer is desired, then it is recommended that 30 lb of a 7-3-2fertilizer be applied to this bed.

Application: Sidedress the fertilizer close to the base of the plant materials, making surethat fertilizer granules do not land on leaves of shrubs or trees.Scratch the fertilizer into the top 2” of the soil carefully so roots are notdamaged.Apply irrigation after fertilizing so that plants can absorb nutrients.

Schedule: Apply fertilizer as recommended above in early spring

* Fertilizer recommendations/calculations for SMU A and B are from ‘FertilizingYour Garden’ (EC 1503)


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The infiltration rate indicates that water is appropriately soaking into soil. To avoid potential compactionthough, the client might consider adding a walking path or pavers to the turf area and to the sitting area.

The level of humus for this soil is very low. It is recommended that 2” of a blended mulch be added to thisbed in late spring/early summer to prevent moisture loss, regulate summer temperature and preventerosion. Gradually, the mulch will also increase the amount of humus in the soil and the amount ofnutrients the soil can hold. When adding the organic matter, use a wheel barrow to prevent potential soilcompaction.

The coarse texture of the soil indicates that the soil has adequate permeability and good aeration, butmight become deficient in some nutrients. It is recommended that the client test the soil in this arearegularly and modify fertilizing applications as necessary.

The pH is appropriate for this type of bed; no amendments are necessary at this time.

At the time this study was conducted, the shrubs living in this bed are in their dormant season, however,they appear to be thriving and healthy. Fertilizing the bed, while recommended, is optional as long as theplant materials continue to thrive.

In order to care for your shrub bed, the following are recommendations for ongoing best care practices foryour soil:

• Weed early in growing season.• Add organic matter to the soil in the form of mulch.• Water deeply and infrequently, about 1” once a week.


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Soil Management Unit C

We measured an area of turf of perennial rye grass that is 8,000 sq. ft. This stretch of turf is bordered byseveral planting beds and is relatively open facing most directions. It experiences a slight grade changefrom the east and south with a recessed area in the center and a drain to facilitate drainage. The areaaround this drain (out about 6 ft) has been excluded from this study. The grass is fairly lush and green,but appears to drain slowly after a heavy rain shows very little aeration when viewed up close.

Soil Description

Consistency: The moist soil sample was firm, silky and smooth. It broke apart only slightlyunder firm pressure.

Color:

10YR 5/3

Infiltration Rate: 3.8” per hour

Texture: Sand = 6 ml / 15 ml (total) = 40% sandSilt = 7.5 ml / 15 ml (total) = 50% siltClay = 1.5 ml / 15 ml (total) = 10% claySoil Sample Texture – borderline: Loam / Silt LoamTexture of soil = Medium

Permeability: Good / Moderate permeabilityThe higher percentages of sand and silt indicate a course/medium textured soilwhich results in larger pore sizes and a high rate of permeability.However, the low rate of infiltration and the location of the turf indicates thatthe area may have suffered some compaction which reduces its permeabilitycapabilities.


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3/9/09


Soil Test Results

Humus: 2 – Low (for garden/greenhouse soils)

pH: 6.3perennial rye grass likes 5.5 – 6.5; therefore the pH in this area is appropriate


Phosphorus (P): 150 lb/acre * 5 = 75 ppm



Magnesium (Mg): Medium; 25 ppm / 121 = .21 meq


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Fertilization Recommendations **

LimeRecommendation:

The pH level is appropriate for this type of turf;No amendments are necessary


Since the soil test results for:Phosphorus was more than 20 ppm; we don’t need to add phosphorusPotassium was less than less than 250 ppm; we should add potassium

The client would like to fertilize the lawn to achieve a ‘medium’ quality,therefore 3-4 lb of nitrogen per year is desirable.A 6-1-4 or 24-4-16 fertilizer is recommended for this bed.

According to the following equations:• 3 lb N/1,000 sf / .06 = 50 lb/1000 sf * 8 = 400 lb fertilizer per year• 3 lb N/1,000 sf / .24 = 12.5 lb/1000 sf * 8 = 100 lb fertilizer per year

400 lb of a 6-1-4 fertilizer of 100 lb of a 24-4-16 fertilizer could be applied tothis bed.

Organic Fertilizer: If an organic fertilizer is desired, then it is recommended that 400 lb (annually)of a 6-1-2 DPW (dried poultry waste) fertilizer be applied to this turf.

Application: Apply fertilizer using a drop-type spreader.Apply fertilizer at half the recommended rate and go over the area once,overlapping slightly with each consecutive pass. Go over the area a secondtime at 90° to the first pas, again overlapping slightly with each consecutivepass.Irrigate lawn after fertilizing to keep the lawn moist. Be careful not to over-water, creating runoff.

Schedule: Apply 1/2 the total amount of fertilizer as recommended above twicethroughout the year:

• Early spring (April / May) – apply 200 lb / 8,000 sf of 6-1-2 DPW(organic) or 6-1-4 (synthetic) fertilizer (or 50 lb / 8,000 sf of 24-4-16)

• Early fall (September / October) – same as above

** Fertilizer recommendations/calculations for SMU C are from ‘Fertilizing Lawns’(EC 1278) and ‘Calculating Fertilizer Application Rates’ (SMU C)


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The low infiltration rate indicates that the soil has undergone some compaction. It is recommended thatthe turf be aerated during early summer.

The level of humus for this soil is low. It is optional, but after aerating the client might consider spreadingcompost over the turf.

The coarse texture of the soil indicates that the soil might become deficient in some nutrients. It isrecommended that the client test the soil in this area regularly and modify fertilizing applications asnecessary.

The pH is appropriate for this type of turf; no amendments are necessary at this time.

In order to care for your turf, the following are recommendations for ongoing best care practices for yoursoil:

• Mow regularly, cutting the lawn to no less than 2” in height. When mowing, the client shouldremove, at the most, 1/3 of the height at any one time.

• It is recommended that the client mow the lawn in a different direction each time. Grass clippingsshould be left on the turf.

• Since infiltration rate is low, it is recommended that the client water 3-4 times per week for a totalof 1”.


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Nutrient Comparison


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Summary of Findings

We measured an area of turf of perennial rye grass that is 8,000 sq. ft. This stretch of turf is bordered byseveral planting beds and is relatively open facing most directions. It experiences a slight grade changefrom the east and south with a recessed area in the center and a drain to facilitate drainage. The areaaround this drain (out about 6 ft) has been excluded from this study. The grass is fairly lush and green,but appears to drain slowly after a heavy rain shows very little aeration when viewed up close.

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