Gulf Hypoxia and Local Water Quality Concerns Workshop

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Gulf Hypoxia and Local Water Quality Concerns Workshop Gulf Hypoxia and Local Water Quality Concerns Workshop A workshop assessing tools to reduce agricultural nutrient losses to water resources in the Corn Belt 5PPER -ISSISSIPPI 2IVER 3UB BASIN (YPOXIA .UTRIENT #OMMITTEE September 26 – 28, 2005 Iowa State University Ames, Iowa Gulf Hypoxia and Local Water Quality Concerns Workshop September 26 – 28, 2005 Iowa State Univeristy Ames, Iowa Table of Contents Workshop program and agenda .........................................................................................................6 Scheman Building room diagram ......................................................................................................9 Map and directions to Reiman Gardens (Monday evening reception) ...............................................10 Session 1 Understanding Nutrient Fate and Transport, Including the Importance of Hydrology in Determining Losses, and Potential Implications on Management Systems to Reduce Those Losses James L. Baker, Iowa State University; Mark B. David, University of Illinois; Dean W.Lemke, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship ..............................11 Session 2 Drainage Water Management: A Practice for Reducing Nitrate Loads From Subsurface Drainage Systems Richard A. Cooke, Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign; Gary R. Sands, Associate Professor, Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, University of Minnesota; Larry C. Brown, Professor, Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, The Ohio State University .....................................................................27 Session 3 Potential of Wetlands to Reduce Agricultural Nutrient Export to Water Resources in the Corn Belt William G. Crumpton, Iowa State University, Ames, IA ................................................ 35 Session 4 Buffers and Vegetative Filter Strips Matthew J. Helmers, Assistant Professor Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University; Thomas Isenhart, Associate Professor Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Iowa State University; Jeffrey Strock, Associate Professor Department of Soil, Water, and Climate and Southwest Research and Outreach Center, University of Minnesota, St. Paul ....................................................... 45 Session 5 Nitrogen Rates John E. Sawyer, Associate Professor and Soil Fertility Extension Specialist, Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University; Gyles W. Randall, Soil Scientist and Professor, Southern Research and Outreach Center, University of Minnesota ................................................ 59 — Gulf Hypoxia and Local Water Quality Concerns Gulf Hypoxia and Local Water Quality Concerns — 5 Session 6 Nitrogen Application Timing, Forms and Additives Gyles Randall, Soil Scientist and Professor, Southern Research and Outreach Center, University of Minnesota; John Sawyer, Associate Professor and Soil Fertility Extension Specialist, Dept. of Agronomy, Iowa State University ...................................................73 Session 7 Agronomic and Environmental Implication of Phosphorus Management Practices Antonio P. Mallarino, Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University, Ames; Larry G. Bundy, Department of Soil Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison ........................... 85 Session 8 Using Manure as a Fertilizer for Crop Production John A. Lory and Ray Massey, Associate Professors of Extension, University of Missouri; Brad Joern, Professor, Purdue University ...................................................................105 Session 9 Effects of Erosion Control Practices on Nutrients Losses George F. Czapar, University of Illinois; John M. Laflen, Iowa State University; Gregory F. McIsaac, University of Illinois; Dennis P. McKenna, Illinois Department of Agriculture 115 Session 10 Potential and Limitations of Cover Crops, Living Mulches and Perennials to Reduce Nutrient Losses to Water Sources from Agricultural Fields T.C. Kaspar, Plant Physiologist, USDA-ARS, National Soil Tilth Laboratory; E.J. Kladivko, Professor of Soil Physics, Agronomy Dept., Purdue University; J.W. Singer, Research Agronomist, USDA-ARS, National Soil Tilth Laboratory ........................... 125 Session 11 Sustaining Soil Resources While Managing Nutrients Dan B. Jaynes, National Soil Tilth Laboratory, Ames, IA; Douglas L. Karlen, National Soil Tilth Laboratory, Ames, IA ..............................................................................141 Session 12 Field-Scale Tools for Reducing Nutrient Losses to Water Resources Larry G. Bundy, Department of Soil Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Antonio P. Mallarino, Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University, Ames ......................... 151 Session 13 Watershed-Scale Tools Pete Nowak, Professor and Chair, Gaylord Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison; John Norman, Professor, Department of Soil Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Dave Mulla, Professor and W.E. Larson Chair for Soil & Water Resources, Department of Soil, Water and Climate, University of Minnesota 163 Session 14 Evaluating the effectiveness of agricultural management practices at reducing nutrient losses to surface waters D. J. Mulla and A. S. Birr, Univ. Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota; N. Kitchen, USDA- ARS, Columbia, Missouri; M. David, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois. ........... 171 Session 15 Where do we go from here? Dean W. Lemke, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship; Dennis P. McKenna, Illinois Department of Agriculture ..........................................................195 6 — Gulf Hypoxia and Local Water Quality Concerns Workshop Program Monday, September 26 11:00 am Registration desk opens 12:00 pm Opening luncheon - Room 167-179, Scheman Building Remarks by Secretary of Agriculture Patty Judge, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and Wendy Wintersteen, Interim Dean, College of Agriculture, Iowa State University. Afternoon sessions – Benton Auditorium Moderator: Rick Cruse, Iowa State University 1:00 Session 1 – Understanding Nutrient Fate and Transport, Including the Importance of Hydrology in Determining Losses, and Potential Implications on Management Systems to Reduce Those Losses Authors: James Baker, Iowa State University; Mark David, University of Illinois; Dean Lemke, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Panelists: Gyles Randall, University of Minnesota and Dan Jaynes, USDA National Soil Tilth Laboratory 2:00 Session 2 – Drainage Water Management: A Practice for Reducing Nitrate Loads From Subsurface Drainage Systems Authors: Richard Cooke, University of Illinois; Larry Brown, Ohio State University; Gary Sands, University of Minnesota Panelists: Norman Fausey, USDA Agricultural Research Service and Don Pitts, Illinois Natural Resources Conservation Service 3:00 Break 3:30 Session 3 – Potential of Wetlands to Reduce Agricultural Nutrient Export to Water Resources in the Corn Belt Author: William Crumpton, Iowa State University Panelists: David Kovacic, University of Illinois; Don Hey, The Wetlands Initiative; Mary Skopec, Iowa Geological Survey Bureau; Gary Sands, University of Minnesota 4:30 Session 4 – Buffer and vegetative filter strips Authors: Matt Helmers, Iowa State University; Jeff Strock, University of Minnesota; Tom Isenhart, Iowa State University Panelist: Mike Dosskey, USDA National Agroforestry Center and Seth Dabney, USDA Agricultural Research Service 5:30 Workshop adjourns 6:00 Dinner and reception at Iowa State University Reiman Gardens A brochure describing the Gardens is included in the cover pocket of this notebook. A map showing the location of the Gardens is on page 10 of this notebook. Gulf Hypoxia and Local Water Quality Concerns — Tuesday, September 27 Morning sessions – Benton Auditorium Moderator: Dennis Keeney, Iowa State University 7:30 am Morning refreshments 8:00 Session 5 – Nitrogen rates (combined with Session 6) Session 6 – Nitrogen Application Timing, Forms and Additives Authors: John Sawyer, Iowa State University and Gyles Randall, University of Minnesota Panelists: Robert Hoeft, University of Illinois; Peter Scharf, University of Missouri; Alfred Blackmer, Iowa State University; Sylvie Brouder, Purdue University; Eileen Kladivko, Purdue University; Larry Bundy, University of Wisconsin; James Baker, Iowa State University 9:45 Break 10:00 Session 7 – Agronomic and Environmental Implication of Phosphorus Management Practices Authors: Antonio Mallarino, Iowa State University and Larry Bundy, University of Wisconsin Panelists: Brad Joern, Purdue University; Robert Hoeft, University of Illinois; Peter Scharf, University of Missouri 11:00 Session 8 – Using Manure as a Fertilizer for Crop Production Authors: John Lory, University of Missouri; Brad Joern, Purdue University; Ray Massey, University of Missouri Panelists: Carrie Laboski, University of Wisconsin; Stewart Melvin, Curry-Wille & Associates. 12:00 pm Lunch - Room 167-179, Scheman Building Remarks by Diane Regas, Director of Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Afternoon sessions – Benton Auditorium Moderator: Tom Hunt, University of Wisconsin 1:00 Session 9 – Effects of Erosion Control Practices on Nutrients Losses Authors: George Czapar, University of Illinois; Greg McIsaac, University of Illinois; Dennis McKenna, Illinois Department of Agriculture; John Laflen, Iowa State University
Recommended publications
  • Soils Section
    Soils Section 2003 Florida Envirothon Study Sections Soil Key Points SOIL KEY POINTS • Recognize soil as an important dynamic resource. • Describe basic soil properties and soil formation factors. • Understand soil drainage classes and know how wetlands are defined. • Determine basic soil properties and limitations, such as mottling and permeability by observing a soil pit or soil profile. • Identify types of soil erosion and discuss methods for reducing erosion. • Use soil information, including a soil survey, in land use planning discussions. • Discuss how soil is a factor in, or is impacted by, nonpoint and point source pollution. Florida’s State Soil Florida has the largest total acreage of sandy, siliceous, hyperthermic Aeric Haplaquods in the nation. This is commonly called Myakka fine sand. It does not occur anywhere else in the United States. There are more than 1.5 million acres of Myakka fine sand in Florida. On May 22, 1989, Governor Bob Martinez signed Senate Bill 525 into law making Myakka fine sand Florida’s official state soil. iii Florida Envirothon Study Packet — Soils Section iv Contents CONTENTS INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................................................1 WHAT IS SOIL AND HOW IS SOIL FORMED? .....................................................................3 SOIL CHARACTERISTICS..........................................................................................................7 Texture......................................................................................................................................7
    [Show full text]
  • Interim Soil Survey of the Gerber Block – Map Unit Descriptions 1
    300A--Norcross very cobbly loam, 0 to 10 percent slopes Map Unit Setting MLRA: 21 Landscape: Tableland Elevation: 4800 to 5400 feet Precipitation: 16 to 20 inches Air temperature: 43 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit Frost-free period: 50 to 80 days Composition Norcross very cobbly ashy loam, 0 to 10 percent slopes--85 percent Casebeer very cobbly loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes--10 percent Rock Outcrop, 15 to 40 percent slopes--5 percent Component Description Norcross and similar soils Landform: Plateaus Parent material: Volcanic ash and residuum weathered from basalt Typical vegetation: low sagebrush, bluebunch wheatgrass, onespike oatgrass, Sandberg bluegrass, Idaho fescue Typical profile: A1--0 to 3 inches; very cobbly ashy loam A2--3 to 6 inches; cobbly ashy loam Bt1--6 to 10 inches; cobbly ashy clay loam Bt2--10 to 18 inches; clay Bt3--18 to 20 inches; clay Bqm--20 to 31 inches; duripan R--31 to 35 inches; unweathered bedrock See "Chemical Properties of Soils" table and the "Physical Properties of Soils" table for more information. Component Properties and Qualities Slope: 0 to 10 percent Runoff: High Depth to Restrictive Feature: Duripan: 12 to 20 inches Bedrock (lithic): 18 to 46 inches Permeability class (root zone): Slow Available water capacity: About 3 inches Present flooding: None Natural drainage class: Well drained Interpretive Groups Nonirrigated land capability: 6e Ecological site: 021XY216OR--Stony Claypan 14-20 Pz Typical soil descriptions including ranges in characteristics are in the "Classification of the Soils" section. Contrasting
    [Show full text]
  • EFFECT of TILLAGE on the HYDROLOGY of CLAYPAN SOILS in KANSAS by MEGHAN ELIZABETH BUCKLEY B.S., Iowa State University, 2002 M.S
    CORE Metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk Provided by K-State Research Exchange EFFECT OF TILLAGE ON THE HYDROLOGY OF CLAYPAN SOILS IN KANSAS by MEGHAN ELIZABETH BUCKLEY B.S., Iowa State University, 2002 M.S., Kansas State University, 2004 AN ABSTRACT OF A DISSERTATION submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY Department of Agronomy College of Agriculture KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY Manhattan, Kansas 2008 Abstract The Parsons soil has a sharp increase in clay content from the upper teens in the A horizon to the mid fifties in the Bt horizon. The high clay content continues to the parent material resulting in 1.5 m of dense, slowly permeable subsoil over shale residuum. This project was designed to better understand soil-water management needs of this soil. The main objective was to determine a comprehensive hydrologic balance for the claypan soil. Specific objectives were a) to determine effect of tillage management on select water balance components including water storage and evaporation, b) to quantify relationship between soil water status and crop variables such as emergence and yield, and c) to verify balance findings with predictions from a mechanistic model, specifically HYDRUS 1-D. The study utilized three replicates of an ongoing project in Labette County, Kansas in which till and no-till plots had been maintained in a sorghum [ Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] – soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotation since 1995. Both crops are grown each year in a randomized complete block design. The sorghum plots were equipped with Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) probes to measure A horizon water content and neutron access tubes for measurement of water throughout the profile.
    [Show full text]
  • Hydraulic Properties in Different Soil Architectures of a Small Agricultural Watershed
    water Article Hydraulic Properties in Different Soil Architectures of a Small Agricultural Watershed: Implications for Runoff Generation Cuiting Dai, Tianwei Wang, Yiwen Zhou, Jun Deng and Zhaoxia Li * College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; [email protected] (C.D.); [email protected] (T.W.); [email protected] (Y.Z.); [email protected] (J.D.) * Correspondence: [email protected] Received: 25 October 2019; Accepted: 26 November 2019; Published: 1 December 2019 Abstract: Soil architecture exerts an important control on soil hydraulic properties and hydrological responses. However, the knowledge of hydraulic properties related to soil architecture is limited. The objective of this study was to investigate the influences of soil architecture on soil physical and hydraulic properties and explore their implications for runoff generation in a small agricultural watershed in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area (TGRA) of southern China. Six types of soil architecture were selected, including shallow loam sandy soil in grassland (SLSG) and shallow loam sandy soil in cropland (SLSC) on the shoulder; shallow sandy loam in grassland (SSLG) and shallow sandy loam in cropland (SSLC) on the backslope; and deep sandy loam in grassland (DSLG) and deep sandy loam in cropland (DSLC) on the footslope. The results showed that saturated hydraulic conductivity 1 (Ksat) was significantly higher in shallow loamy sand soil under grasslands (8.57 cm h− ) than under 1 croplands (7.39 cm h− ) at the topsoil layer. Total porosity was highest for DSLC and lowest for SSLG, averaged across all depths. The proportion of macropores under SLSG was increased by 60% compared with under DSLC, which potentially enhanced water infiltration and decreased surface runoff.
    [Show full text]
  • Earthworms by Clarence Chavez
    Of all the members of the soil food web, earthworms need the least introduction Charles Darwin wrote: “It may be doubted whether there are many other animals which have played so important a part in the history of the world, as have these lowly organized creatures.” Earthworms By Clarence Chavez Where and how many? Count and Sort Dig a hole 1’ X 1’ x 1’ Add Mustard Solution (optional): about 1/2 cup of mustard to 3 or 4 gallons of water. Stir well so that the solution is thoroughly mixed. Pour into the hole. Interpretation of earthworms Earthworm populations may vary with site characteristics (food availability and soil conditions), season, and species. Note: About 10 earthworms per square foot of soil (100 worms/m2) is generally considered a good, higher counts are better. Earthworms - reproduction Earthworms are hermaphrodites, meaning that they exhibit both male and female characteristics. But you still need two to start a colony. Earthworm Cocooning Young worms hatch from their cocoons in three weeks to five months as the gestation period varies for different species of worms. Conditions like temperature and soil moisture factor in here...if conditions are not great then hatching is delayed The ideal temperature is around fifty-five degrees, allowing earthworms to mate in the spring or fall. Earthworms - decomposers Soil and Water Management Research Unit Management Research and Water Soil Earthworms derive their nutrition from dead and decomposing organic matter. Things like decaying roots and leaves, and living organisms such as nematodes, protozoan's, rotifers, bacteria, fungi. They fragment organic matter and make major contributions to recycling the nutrients it contains.
    [Show full text]
  • Ecological Site R113XY002MO Loess Upland Prairie
    Natural Resources Conservation Service Ecological site R113XY002MO Loess Upland Prairie Accessed: 09/30/2021 General information Figure 1. Mapped extent Areas shown in blue indicate the maximum mapped extent of this ecological site. Other ecological sites likely occur within the highlighted areas. It is also possible for this ecological site to occur outside of highlighted areas if detailed soil survey has not been completed or recently updated. MLRA notes Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 113X–Central Claypan Areas The western, Missouri portion of the Central Claypan (area outlined in red on the map) is a weakly dissected till plain. Elevation ranges from about 1,000 feet in the north along the divide between the Missouri and Mississippi River watersheds to about 625 feet where the North Fork of the Salt River flows out of the area. Relief is generally low, with low slope gradients and relatively narrow drainageways. Most of the Central Claypan is in the Salt River watershed. The characteristic “claypan” occurs in the loess that caps the pre-Illinoisan aged till on the broad interfluves that characterize this region. Till is exposed on lower slopes. The underlying Mississippian aged limestone and Pennsylvanian aged shale is exposed in only a few places along lower slopes above the Salt River. Classification relationships Terrestrial Natural Community Type in Missouri (Nelson, 2010): The reference state for this ecological site is most similar to a Dry-Mesic Loess/Glacial Till Prairie. National Vegetation Classification System Vegetation Association (NatureServe, 2010): The reference state for this ecological site is most similar to Schizachyrium scoparium - Sorghastrum nutans - Bouteloua curtipendula Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL002214).
    [Show full text]
  • Ecological Site R113XY001MO Claypan Summit Prairie
    Natural Resources Conservation Service Ecological site R113XY001MO Claypan Summit Prairie Accessed: 09/26/2021 General information Approved. An approved ecological site description has undergone quality control and quality assurance review. It contains a working state and transition model, enough information to identify the ecological site, and full documentation for all ecosystem states contained in the state and transition model. Figure 1. Mapped extent Areas shown in blue indicate the maximum mapped extent of this ecological site. Other ecological sites likely occur within the highlighted areas. It is also possible for this ecological site to occur outside of highlighted areas if detailed soil survey has not been completed or recently updated. MLRA notes Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 113X–Central Claypan Areas The western, Missouri portion of the Central Claypan (area outlined in red on the map) is a weakly dissected till plain. Elevation ranges from about 1,000 feet in the north along the divide between the Missouri and Mississippi River watersheds to about 625 feet where the North Fork of the Salt River flows out of the area. Relief is generally low, with low slope gradients and relatively narrow drainageways. Most of the Central Claypan is in the Salt River watershed. The characteristic “claypan” occurs in the loess that caps the pre-Illinoisan aged till on the broad interfluves that characterize this region. Till is exposed on lower slopes. The underlying Mississippian aged limestone and Pennsylvanian aged shale is exposed in only a few places along lower slopes above the Salt River. Classification relationships Terrestrial Natural Community Type in Missouri (Nelson, 2010): The reference state for this ecological site is most similar to a Hardpan Prairie.
    [Show full text]
  • Influence of Grass and Agroforestry Buffer Strips on Soil Hydraulic Properties for an Albaqualf
    Published online May 6, 2005 Influence of Grass and Agroforestry Buffer Strips on Soil Hydraulic Properties for an Albaqualf Tshepiso Seobi, S. H. Anderson,* R. P. Udawatta, and C. J. Gantzer ABSTRACT tem is more effective if tillage and planting are performed Agroforestry production systems have been introduced in temper- along the contour. Schwab et al. (1993) estimated soil ate regions to improve water quality and diversify farm income. Agro- loss with the universal soil loss equation to be as low as Ϫ1 Ϫ1 forestry and grass–legume buffer effects on soil hydraulic properties 5.1 Mg ha yr for strip cropping, which was compara- for a Putnam soil (fine, smectitic, mesic Vertic Albaqualf) were evalu- ble with soil loss with terraces. Grass buffer strips reduce ated in a corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] water- runoff and increase infiltration upslope from the strips; shed in northeastern Missouri. The no-till management watershed Schmitt et al. (1999) observed that doubling the width was established in 1991 with agroforestry buffers implemented in 1997. of a 7.5-m-wide grass strip doubled water infiltration into Agroforestry buffers, 4.5 m wide and 36.5 m apart, consist of redtop the soil. A multispecies riparian buffer increased the infil- (Agrostis gigantea Roth), brome (Bromus spp.), and birdsfoot trefoil tration rate five times compared with cultivated and (Lotus corniculatus L.) with pin oak (Quercus palustris Muenchh.), swamp white oak (Q. bicolor Willd.), and bur oak (Q. macrocarpa grazed fields (Bharati et al., 2002). The infiltration rates for components of the riparian buffer were as follows: Michx.) trees.
    [Show full text]
  • Claypan Soils: One-Step Improvement L
    South Dakota State University Open PRAIRIE: Open Public Research Access Institutional Repository and Information Exchange South Dakota State University Agricultural Bulletins Experiment Station 9-1-1979 Claypan Soils: One-step Improvement L. O. Fine P. D. Weeldreyer D. G. Shannon Follow this and additional works at: http://openprairie.sdstate.edu/agexperimentsta_bulletins Recommended Citation Fine, L. O.; Weeldreyer, P. D.; and Shannon, D. G., "Claypan Soils: One-step Improvement" (1979). Bulletins. Paper 669. http://openprairie.sdstate.edu/agexperimentsta_bulletins/669 This Bulletin is brought to you for free and open access by the South Dakota State University Agricultural Experiment Station at Open PRAIRIE: Open Public Research Access Institutional Repository and Information Exchange. It has been accepted for inclusion in Bulletins by an authorized administrator of Open PRAIRIE: Open Public Research Access Institutional Repository and Information Exchange. For more information, please contact [email protected]. B 664 Claypan Soils: One-Step Improvement Agricultural Experiment Station • South Dakota State University • Brookings, South Dakota 57007 Claypan Soils: One-Step Improvement L. O. Fine, P. D. Weeldreyer and D. G. Shannon* The dominant soils on level or gentle are found in eastern and east-central slopes in east-central South Dakota are South Dak ota associated with both glacial among the most productive in the country, lak e plain and glacial ground moraine given favorable soil water conditions and soils. Generally they show the effect of proper crop management procedures. sodium in their genesis and fall into one of the natriboroll, natrustoll, or natra­ These "normal" soils have excellent quoll subgroups in the comprehensive soil organic matter content, good depth of classification system.
    [Show full text]
  • Unit 2.1, Soils and Soil Physical Properties
    2.1 Soils and Soil Physical Properties Introduction 5 Lecture 1: Soils—An Introduction 7 Lecture 2: Soil Physical Properties 11 Demonstration 1: Soil Texture Determination Instructor’s Demonstration Outline 23 Demonstration 2: Soil Pit Examination Instructor’s Demonstration Outline 28 Supplemental Demonstrations and Examples 29 Assessment Questions and Key 33 Resources 37 Glossary 40 Part 2 – 4 | Unit 2.1 Soils & Soil Physical Properties Introduction: Soils & Soil Physical Properties UNIT OVERVIEW MODES OF INSTRUCTION This unit introduces students to the > LECTURES (2 LECTURES, 1.5 HOURS EACH ) components of soil and soil physical Lecture 1 introduces students to the formation, classifica- properties, and how each affects soil tion, and components of soil. Lecture 2 addresses different concepts of soil and soil use and management in farms and physical properties, with special attention to those proper- gardens. ties that affect farming and gardening. > DEMONSTRATION 1: SOIL TEXTURE DETERMINATION In two lectures. students will learn about (1 HOUR) soil-forming factors, the components of soil, and the way that soils are classified. Demonstration 1 teaches students how to determine soil Soil physical properties are then addressed, texture by feel. Samples of many different soil textures are including texture, structure, organic mat- used to help them practice. ter, and permeability, with special attention > DEMONSTRATION 2: SOIL PIT EXAMINATION (1 HOUR) to those properties that affect farming and In Demonstration 2, students examine soil properties such gardening. as soil horizons, texture, structure, color, depth, and pH in Through a series of demonstrations and a large soil pit. Students and the instructor discuss how the hands-on exercises, students are taught how soil properties observed affect the use of the soil for farm- to determine soil texture by feel and are ing, gardening, and other purposes.
    [Show full text]
  • Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity and Its Impact on Simulated Runoff for Claypan Soils
    Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity and Its Impact on Simulated Runoff for Claypan Soils Humberto Blanco-Canqui,* Clark J. Gantzer, Stephen H. Anderson, E. E. Alberts, and F. Ghidey ABSTRACT surements (Mallants et al., 1997). Samples based on Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat ) is an essential parameter the REV often reflect the natural boundary conditions for understanding soil hydrology. This study evaluated the Ksat of in (Gupta et al., 1993), and diminish disturbance and com- situ monoliths and intact cores and compared the results with other paction of soil during sampling (Vepraskas and Wil- studies for Missouri claypan soils. These Ksat values were used as liams, 1995). runoff-model inputs to assess the impact of K variation on simulated sat Soil texture is generally known to affect Ksat. Clay runoff. Lateral in situ K of the topsoil was determined on 250 by sat soils typically have low Ksat values (Bouma, 1980; Jami- 500 by 230 mm deep monoliths. These values were compared with son and Peters, 1967). This is of interest in the midwest the Ksat of 76 by 76 mm diam. intact cores with and without bentonite USA because about 4 million ha of claypan soils exist to seal macropores. Mean (Ϯ SD) lateral in situ Ksat was 72 Ϯ 0.7 Ϫ1 in this region (Jamison et al., 1968). These soils have mm h and mean intact core Ksat without bentonite was 312 Ϯ 58 mm hϪ1. The mean intact core K without bentonite was significantly an argillic horizon 130 to 460 mm deep, with clay con- sat Ͼ Ϫ1 larger than the lateral in situ Ksat (P ϭ 0.03).
    [Show full text]
  • Leaching Losses of Dissolved Organic Carbon and Nitrogen from Agricultural Soils in the Upper US Midwest
    Science of the Total Environment 734 (2020) 139379 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Science of the Total Environment journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/scitotenv Leaching losses of dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen from agricultural soils in the upper US Midwest Mir Zaman Hussain a,b, G. Philip Robertson a,b,c, Bruno Basso a,b,d, Stephen K. Hamilton a,b,e,f,⁎ a W.K. Kellogg Biological Station, Michigan State University, Hickory Corners, MI 49060, USA b Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA c Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA d Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA e Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA f Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY 12545, USA HIGHLIGHTS GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT • Organic carbon leaching was unaffected by nitrogen fertilization, but it was greater in poplar than in the herbaceous crops. • Nitrogen was leached mainly as nitrate, with the balance lost mostly as organic N and relatively little as ammonium. • Leaching of organic nitrogen increased with N fertilization. • Perennial cropping systems that were moderately fertilized leached less nitro- gen than more heavily fertilized corn. article info abstract Article history: Leaching losses of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and nitrogen (DON) from agricultural systems are important Received 19 February 2020 to water quality and carbon and nutrient balances but are rarely reported; the few available studies suggest link- Received in revised form 5 May 2020 ages to litter production (DOC) and nitrogen fertilization (DON).
    [Show full text]