The Mikhail System of Sustainable Soil Management
|
|
- Ronald Strickland
- 6 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 The Mikhail System of Sustainable Soil Management E.H. Mikhail 1 1 SWEP Analytical Laboratories, 45-47/174 Bridge Rd, Keysborough 3173 Introduction During the 1960s research began (at first in Egypt and then in Australia) into ways of improving certain problem soils. This research found that soils with a high proportion of Magnesium and relatively low Calcium had a tendency to set hard when dry. It resulted in the first definition of the Calcium-Magnesium ratio in terms of soil physics rather than plant nutrition and led on to the development of methods for effectively correcting problems. This balance approach was also extended to work on Sodic soils and this led to a more complete understanding of the relationship between soil chemistry and soil physics. The Mikhail System Perhaps the most important thing to come from the Australian research is a recognition that the concept of Balance goes beyond cation proportions alone. Getting the cations right is an important first step, but we need to look at all three aspects of soil balance chemical, physical and biological. This is what underlies the view of Soil as a Living System, which can also be explained by using the Human Body as an analogy. To have a healthy human, you must first begin with a strong skeleton. To have strong bones you need Calcium, Magnesium and Phosphorus in the right proportions. So too in the soil the proportions of Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium and Hydrogen are important for the basic structure or skeleton of the soil. But, a human being is more than just a collection of bones. The skeleton supports the body and the development of strong muscles. This process requires Carbohydrate, Protein and Fat in the right proportions, throughout life. Likewise, in the soil, productivity is built on having Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium and Sulphur available to plants in the right proportion throughout their growing season. Of course, human health relies on more than just carbohydrate, protein and fat; we also have requirements for various vitamins and minerals in the proper amounts. In similar fashion, productive soils must provide the complete range of Trace elements in suitable amounts. Still, we all realise that healthy people need even more. We need the right balance of good bacteria on our skins and in our digestive systems to help us take up the nutrients we require and help protect against infection. Soil is no different and the biological component of the soil also needs to be balanced. And just as the requirements for humans will vary somewhat for each individual and at every stage throughout life, so too, each soil will have its own individual needs and characteristics. However, in researching the Ca:Mg ratio it became clear that this alone was not enough. The impact of this ratio depended on both the relative amounts of Calcium and Magnesium and their percentages of the Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC). For example, a clay loam with a Ca:Mg ratio of 1.5 could well be hard-setting when dry, while a Medium Clay with the same ratio could have poor structure but not be hard-setting at all. Results like were puzzling, but not uncommon.
2 The problem lay in defining what made up the CEC. If there were only the four base cations (Ca, Mg, Na, & K), you would expect these two soils to show little or no difference in their levels of friability, and yet clay loams and medium clays are clearly very different soils. Obviously, there must be something else contributing to the CEC. It was clear that there should also be other cations present and basic chemistry suggested that exchangeable Hydrogen would be the most important. Unfortunately, only estimates of exchangeable Hydrogen could be made until 1968, when a reliable laboratory test was developed and this was used to show that a very accurate figure for the CEC in any soil could be provided by adding together the levels of five exchangeable cations (in milliequivalents/100g of soil) Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium and of course Hydrogen. It was also shown that, even in highly acidic soils, all other cations were present in amounts too small to significantly contribute to the value of the CEC or substantially alter the physical character of the soil. Here then was the answer to the riddle. A Clay loam could have a CEC of about 15me/100g, while Medium clay could be perhaps 30me/100g. If we assume the two soils have the same amounts of Calcium and Magnesium (say 6me/100g Ca & 4me/100g Mg, giving a Ca:Mg ratio of 1.5), then the difference between the two soils lies in the cation percentages the clay loam would be 40% Ca and 26% Mg, while these percentages for the medium clay would be 20% and 13% respectively. In short, the medium clay would have levels of Ca and Mg that are too low to significantly impact the physical character of the soil other than failing to support development of good structure. In general, the significance of the Ca:Mg ratio as an indicator of the physical condition of soil will decline as the Calcium and Magnesium percentages are reduced unless Magnesium is 20% or more of the Adjusted CEC (see below). 7,000,000 Desirable Total Active Population 6,000,000 Total Active Population (cells/g) 5,000,000 4,000,000 3,000,000 2,000,000 1,000, Adjusted CEC Above: A schematic representation of the relationship between the Total Active Population of soil micro-organisms and the Adjusted CEC when sorted according to the Complete Soil Balance Percentage. This shows how well balanced soils have active microbial populations that conform closely to the predicted desirable level. < 40% balanced 40-50% balanced 50-60% balanced 60-70% balanced > 70% balanced
3 Having reached this point, yet another discovery was made. It was found that for soils with a high organic matter percentage, the balance proportions were still not right. Of course, organic matter is high in exchangeable Hydrogen, and it was found that as the organic matter levels increased, the calculated Lime and Dolomite requirements to properly balance all the Hydrogen became enormous (sometimes more than 100 tonnes per hectare). Clearly, this could not be correct. After more research it was found that organic matter requires a certain amount of exchangeable hydrogen as an intrinsic part of its composition. This needs be left out of the balance relationship for recommendations to be equally reliable on all soils. Consequently, an adjustment factor for this proportion was determined (relative to the Organic Matter percentage), which resulted in the Adjusted Hydrogen that is now used to calculate the Adjusted CEC on SWEP soil tests. It is from this figure (rather than the total CEC) that the cation percentages in the Mikhail System are calculated. Of course, soil balance requires more than just cations. It became clear that it was important to have BOTH good cation balance and levels of available nutrients sufficient to provide for Balanced Plant Nutrition. This is in contrast to the usual system of using the soil as a nutrient sponge filling it up to Luxury levels with a few major elements, squeezing it dry and filling it up again. Instead, a system was developed that adjusts the levels of all essential nutrients to a point where they are sufficient to provide the needs of a specific Land Use through the period of its growing season. This approach (when combined with proper cation balancing) has proved successful in maintaining high levels of productivity without the need to maintain excessive levels of soil fertility. Recent research has further strengthened this system by revealing that properly balanced soils show a consistent and predictable balance in the proportions of certain key indicator groups of micro-organisms, with the total active population of these indicator organisms (in well-balanced soils) being proportional to the Adjusted CEC. The graph opposite shows the distribution of microbial populations from the research database (in relation to the Adjusted CEC), when sorted according to soil balance percentage. It shows clearly that the microbial population will be closest to the desirable level only in the most well balanced soils. Again, we can compare this to the situation with other living organisms including people. Healthy people do not live in sterile bubbles. We all need the right balance of good bacteria in our digestive systems and on our skin to make the most of available nourishment and help ward off infection. I have always believed that the same would be true in soil and now our research has proved it. Soil has Needs of its own In terms how we manage sustainable production, the Mikhail System focuses on cation balance as the first important step. This is an important foundation for all that follows and many problems encountered in using the Mikhail System can be seen to stem from shortcuts taken here. Cation Balance optimises soil structure, ensures the greatest possible availability of all essential plant nutrients and provides an environment suitable for the maintenance of a stable biological community. This is why it is important not to talk about cation balancing in nutrient terms the proper balance of cations in dependent upon characteristics of the particular soil in question not what is being grown in it. In other words, optimum productivity requires first meeting the needs of the soil itself.
4 Structure and other physical characteristics of soil depend upon the relative proportions of five Exchangeable Cations Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium and Hydrogen as shown in the Table below. However, many people are aware that these are not the only positively charged elements in the soils and so wonder why they are the only ones the Mikhail System considers. An example is Aluminium. The soil chemistry of this element is different from other Cations, in that it is mostly locked up within the chemical lattice of soil minerals and is only converted to a plant available form by acid conditions resulting in turn from an inappropriate cation balance. Also, even in very acid soils, Aluminium makes only a very small contribution to the soil Exchange System being mostly present in the soil solution (where it can be toxic to plants) rather than on colloid 1 surfaces. This means that including it will not significantly improve the calculation of CEC in any soil. However, even if all this were not true, Aluminium (like all so-called Other Cations ) usually has no great impact on the Physical Character of the soil. Given that Soil Physics is what this aspect of the Mikhail Balance System is all about, there is simply no point including it. Exchangeable cation Calcium Magnesium Sodium Potassium Hydrogen Ideal proportion of Adjusted CEC 65-70% 12-15% < 5% 3-5% 10% or less The same is not true for Exchangeable Hydrogen. Unlike Aluminium, which becomes available to plants under acidic conditions, Hydrogen is actually the cause of those acidic conditions. And its contribution as a component of the CEC is also very different. This is because the CEC is measured in milliequivalents not parts per million. This measurement is used because it reflects the amounts of each cation needed in a reaction (in this case adsorption onto an exchange surface). The Table below illustrates the difference between ppm and milliequivalents by comparing Aluminium and Hydrogen at the same concentration. Note that a soil with this amount of extractable Aluminium may well produce toxic effects on plants in any soil, but the same amount of exchangeable Hydrogen, while high, would need to be judged relative to the CEC of a particular soil. Cation: Hydrogen Aluminium 130 ppm = 13.0 me/100g 1.0 me/100g Not all that is Exchangeable requires Balance As discussed previously, one of the most important Jellybeans is Hydrogen. Ted has been measuring exchangeable Hydrogen since the test method first became available in 1968, but along the way he also made an important discovery: Soil Organic Matter is naturally high in exchangeable Hydrogen, but this cannot be completely balanced out. To cope with this, the Mikhail System adjusts the amount of exchangeable Hydrogen included in the soil balance relationship by 0.5 milliequivalents per 1% Organic Matter. Thus, both the Adjusted Hydrogen and the Adjusted CEC depend on the Organic Matter percentage. This has proved to be one of the most significant factors responsible for the overwhelming reliability of the Mikhail System when applied to soils around the World. 1 A Colloid is defined as any particle small enough (< 2 microns) to remain suspended in water. In soil the main colloids are clay and humus particles.
5 Earlier soil balancing systems are often based on research done before a reliable test for exchangeable Hydrogen was available and so used estimates of Hydrogen & other cations that often produces a misleading result. Also, they do not take soil organic matter into account and so tend to over-balance the soil.
6 The consequences of Poor Cation Balance Many so-called Problem soils can be shown to be suffering from a Cation Balance problem and (more importantly) will be responsive to appropriate corrective measures. Problems of this kind include: Hard setting soils Soils forming a surface crust after wetting or with poor moisture infiltration Soils that become either soft and sloppy, or sticky and porridge-like when wet Soils that are especially prone to compaction Soils that are easily damaged by cultivation Often people try in vein either to bash these soils into shape with heavy equipment, or apply treatments that seem to work, but overuse them to the point of creating a whole set of new problems. The bottom line is that if it cannot be measured, then it cannot be managed. But with the right information, fixing the problem is as simple as getting the right coloured Jellybeans back in the jar! Common Misunderstandings Sometimes problems can arise with apparently simple things like the Ca:Mg ratio and Exchangeable Sodium Percentage (ESP). The desirable levels for the Ca:Mg ratio (that are now widely accepted throughout Agriculture in Australia) were one of the first outcomes of Ted s research in the early 1960s, yet many people still do not appreciate the significance of this simple measure for soil physics (instead, they tend to think of it in terms of plant nutrition). Remember that it is important to think of the Ca:Mg ratio in combination with the Cation percentages. As mentioned earlier, the significance of the Ca:Mg ratio as an indicator of the physical condition of soil will decline as the Calcium percentage is reduced unless Magnesium is 20% or more of the Adjusted CEC. The Exchangeable Sodium Percentage (ESP) also causes trouble. This is because its impact on soil (called Sodicity ), or the tendency for soils to be sloppy and dispersive when wet (resulting in reduced hydraulic conductivity and root penetration), relies on the percentages of both Sodium and Magnesium. Thus, in the USA, soils are not considered to be Sodic until the ESP reaches 15%, while in Australia the appropriate level is 5%. This reflects a difference in thinking about soil function. That is, the American standard is based on very old research that considered Sodium only, while the Australian standard is based on more recent work with both Sodium and Magnesium. However, since it is most often the case that when Sodium is high, Magnesium is also, people have tended to speak about Sodic soils in terms of Sodium only. Things become even more confusing, because the Sodium percentage is often calculated from the sum of only four cations Ca + Mg + Na + K, whereas the Sodium percentage used in the Mikhail System is the percentage of the Adjusted CEC that is: Ca + Mg + Na + K + Adjusted H! Again, because people have misunderstood the importance of exchangeable Hydrogen, they have tended to simply leave it out.
Interpreting Soils Report. Beyond N P K
Interpreting Soils Report Beyond N P K What we will cover We will not discuss Macro Nutrients Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. We will touch on Secondary Nutrients Magnesium, Calcium and Sulfur. We
More informationUSERS GUIDE for the. report
USERS GUIDE for the report November, 2015 INTRODUCTION: AgVita has been conducting expresssoil analyses since the mid 1990 s, being a pioneer of this method of soil analysis in Australia. This test has
More informationCompost Analysis. Sustainable Soil Management with the Mikhail Balance System
Tel: +61 3 9701 6007 Fax: +61 3 9701 5712 ABN: 26 005 031 569 www.swep.com.au Compost Analysis Sustainable Soil Management with the Mikhail Balance System FILE NO : 1504110993 DATE ISSUED : 28/04/2015
More informationUnderstanding your results Acidity... 3 Aluminium... 3 Base saturation... 3 Boron... 4 Bulk density... 4 Calcium... 4 Cations...
Understanding your results Acidity... 3 Aluminium.... 3 Base saturation... 3 Boron... 4 Bulk density... 4 Calcium... 4 Cations... 4 CEC - Cation Exchange Capacity... 4 Copper... 5 Conductivity... 6 Deficiencies...
More informationBUILDING HEALTHY SOILS AND PLANTS. Summary
BUILDING HEALTHY SOILS AND PLANTS Summary All essential nutrients are needed to produce one plant cell. Productivity of soil is limited by the least available nutrient. Measurement of Soil Cation Exchange
More informationCompost Analysis. Sustainable Soil Management with the Mikhail Balance System
Tel: +61 3 9701 6007 Fax: +61 3 9701 5712 ABN: 26 005 031 569 www.swep.com.au Compost Analysis Sustainable Soil Management with the Mikhail Balance System FILE NO : 1703124769 DATE ISSUED : 15/03/2017
More informationSoil Program Recommendation
Soil Program Recommendation Grower: G.C. Wynne Consultant: Bill Munton Doyle St Quirindi NSW 2343 Soil Test No: K6930ABC These comments and suggestions are based on our interpretation of soil analysis
More informationSOILS AND PLANT NUTRITION
SOILS AND PLANT NUTRITION WHAT IS SOIL? Soil is the medium in which plants grow - the basis for plant growth. I can t get any respect. People treat me like dirt! Four Major Components of Soil Sand Silt
More informationUnderstanding a Soil Report
Understanding a Soil Report AGRONOMY SOIL ANALYSIS 1. Soil ph Soil ph is a measure of the acidity in the soil. An acidic soil has a greater amount of hydrogen (H+) ions and a ph below 7.0. Values above
More informationSoil Composition. Air
Soil Composition Air Soil Included Air Approximately 40 to 60% of the volume of a soil is actually empty space between the solid particles (voids). These voids are filled with air and/or water. The air
More informationPr gyp -TURF. a soil and turf fertility product. S E E S. f u.
www.grancominerals.com Pr gyp -TURF T S E E & GREEN From The Product Line: S S RTS O P TURF By: tured c a f u Man NDSCAPE A L gyp Representative: Contact Pro info@grancominerals.com Toll Free (800-798-5605)
More informationFACT SHEET. Understanding Cation Exchange Capacity and % Base Saturation
Understanding Cation Exchange Capacity and % Base Saturation FACT SHEET A & L CANADA LABORATORIES, INC. 2136 Jetstream Rd. London, ON N5V 3P5 Phone: 519-457-2575 Fax: 519-457-2664 Aginfo@alcanada.com www.alcanada.com
More informationDiscuss the importance of healthy soils Soil properties, physical, chemical and biological that one can manage for soil health How organics play a
Andrew Ristvey The University of Maryland Extension programs are open to any person and will not discriminate against anyone because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability,
More informationPrinciples of Orchard Nutrition. Kevin Manning and Ross Wilson AgFirst
Principles of Orchard Nutrition Kevin Manning and Ross Wilson AgFirst General Principles Nutrition is generally a very small proportion of production costs ( < 2%). Poor nutrition management can severely
More informationSOIL TEST INTERPRETATION JIM FASCHING Technical Field Representative
SOIL TEST INTERPRETATION JIM FASCHING Technical Field Representative jfasching@midwestlabs.com 507 273-3339 TERMS ppm = parts per million 2 million pounds of soil represented by soil samples taken 6 inches
More informationAgronomy 365 Exam I Spring 2002
Agronomy 365 Exam I Spring 2002 Name Lab Please keep your answers brief and to the point. DO NOT try to fill in all the space given unless you need it to answer the question. Where applicable, show your
More informationFACTORS AFFECTING WATER QUALITY
TECHNICAL PAPER WATER QUALITY PLANT HEALTH FACTORS Water quality is one of the most important factors affecting plant growth, as unwanted components in water can interfere with nutrient availability and
More informationAgriCal by. Healthier Soils Stronger Plants Higher Yields
Healthier Soils Stronger Plants Higher Yields does your soil really need LIME? The importance of calcium as an essential plant nutrient in the soil is often overlooked. Too many times, when soil tests
More informationSOIL TESTS & INTERPRETATION
SOIL TESTS & INTERPRETATION This technical note discusses most of the soil tests used at Hill Laboratories, and gives very general interpretive information for each. Information for this Technical Note
More informationFocus on Calcium Its role in crop production
Focus on Calcium Its role in crop production Robert Norton, rnorton@ipni.net International Plant Nutrition Institute, http://anz.ipni.net Keywords: Lime, gypsum, acidity, dispersion, nutrition, withertip.
More informationProducts for increasing soil Mineral Fertility
The following Table provides a list of fertility products that can assist in increasing mineral fertility in a soil. Although some of these products can be used for short term nutrient supply they can
More informationPlant Nutrients in Mineral Soils
The Supply and Availability of Plant Nutrients in Mineral Soils Plant Nutrients in Mineral Soils Factors Controlling the Growth of Higher Plants 1. Light 2. Mechanical Support. Heat. Air 5. Water 6. Nutrients
More informationBOTANY AND PLANT GROWTH Lesson 9: PLANT NUTRITION. MACRONUTRIENTS Found in air and water carbon C oxygen hydrogen
BOTANY AND PLANT GROWTH Lesson 9: PLANT NUTRITION Segment One Nutrient Listing Plants need 17 elements for normal growth. Carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen are found in air and water. Nitrogen, phosphorus,
More informationNutrients & Diagnosing Nutrient Needs. Carrie Laboski Dept. of Soil Science UW-Madison
Nutrients & Diagnosing Nutrient Needs Carrie Laboski Dept. of Soil Science UW-Madison Sources of nutrients available for plant uptake Nutrients in the soil solution are: In ionic form At low concentration
More informationFERTILIZING. Correct time is during October and November. Sample young, fully developed, hardened off leaves.
FERTILIZING Macadamias need to be fertilized from planting. Although in small quantities it must be done to ensure good growth. The trees do grow slowly and have to be helped to grow bearing wood in as
More informationAnimal, Plant & Soil Science. D3-7 Characteristics and Sources of Secondary Nutrients and Micronutrients
Animal, Plant & Soil Science D3-7 Characteristics and Sources of Secondary Nutrients and Micronutrients Interest Approach Obtain samples of minerals that serve as sources of calcium, magnesium, and sulfur
More informationAdvanced ph management
Advanced management Outline 1. solubility curves, and what they can teach us about management Before we get too far management is not that complex Maintain around 5.6-6.4, and you will be fine. Paul Fisher,
More informationABOUT TURF FORMULA. 36% Decrease in Brown Patch 35% Increase in Root Mass 33% Nematode Reduction 73% Salt Reduction in 90 Days
ABOUT TURF FORMULA Superintendents and turfgrass managers routinely see the benefits of using Turf Formula and Super- Cal to achieve and maintain healthy greens and turf. The value of these products is
More informationSoil Health - Myth Vs Fact
Soil Health - Myth Vs Fact Throughout history there are many cases of widely held beliefs, often driven by commercial and political interests, that turn out to be wrong. For example, smoking was considered
More informationGreenhouse Horticulture
Managing Nutrients in Greenhouse Horticulture Original content by Domenic Cavallaro Stoller Australia Pty Ltd Plant HORMONE PRODUCTION follows approx. cycles with changing NUTRIENT requirements Source:
More informationSoil tests - Help! Stop the soil test confusion Warrigal Beef Cheque Group and Western Port Catchment Landcare Network, 2015
Soil tests - Help! Stop the soil test confusion Warrigal Beef Cheque Group and Western Port Catchment Landcare Network, 2015 Probably not! However at the end of the session I am confident that you will
More informationPlant Food. Nitrogen (N)
Plant Food Nitrogen (N) Functions: Promote plant growth Increase protein content of crops Improves quality of crop Makes plant more efficient with water Helps for stay green and dry down Plants take up
More informationChelated and regulated release of all essential nutrients, not just nitrogen
8 weeks release Activate fineturf granulars offer a best of both world s approach to grass nutrition that is more inline with the way nature intended soils and plants to interact, while being mindful of
More informationGREEN 3 Date Date Sample Sample B067921C Received: 15/08/2013 Reported: 20/08/2013 Reference: Green 3 Number: SBA1674 CROP: Cool Season
Your Simplot Partners Branch Address & Contact Details Your Reps Name & Contact Details ABC GOLF CLUB (SAMPLE ONLY) GREEN Date Date Sample Sample B9C Received: /8/ Reported: /8/ Reference: Green Number:
More informationInterpretation of Soil Tests for Environmental Considerations
Interpretation of Soil Tests for Environmental Considerations Ray Ward Ward Laboratories, Inc Kearney, NE www.wardlab.com Guiding Producers Today to Feed the World Tomorrow www.wardlab.com Saline County
More informationWelcome. Greg Patterson C.C.A. President A&L Canada Laboratories
Welcome Greg Patterson C.C.A. President A&L Canada Laboratories Discussion Soil test levels Dropping P,K Organic matter levels dropping Cost of Fertilizer Increasing due to Global Demand Environmental
More informationPotash Phosphate Nitrogen
Nutrients 160 140 120 100 Potash Phosphate Nitrogen 80 60 40 20 0 1961 1971 1981 1991 2001 2011 Year FAOSTAT 45,000,000 40,000,000 35,000,000 30,000,000 25,000,000 20,000,000 15,000,000 10,000,000 5,000,000
More informationSulphur Fertilizer Effect on Crop Development & Quality
Sulphur Fertilizer Effect on Crop Development & Quality Sulphur Play a key role in: Chlorophyll (Photosynthesis) a key ingredient in the formation and sulphur deficient plants can be 40% lower in chlorophyll.
More informationTrends in Soil Management for Turf. David C. Smith P.Ag DCS Agronomic Services
Trends in Soil Management for Turf David C. Smith P.Ag DCS Agronomic Services Points for Today s Discussion Soil Testing Considerations Soil test interpretation How water moves in the soil Recommendations
More informationCalcium: Its role in crop production. Rob Norton, Regional Director IPNI Australia & New Zealand
Calcium: Its role in crop production Rob Norton, Regional Director IPNI Australia & New Zealand GRDC Advisor Update, Ballarat, 6 Feb, 2013 Classic calcium deficiency - Blossom-end rot in tomato caused
More informationMicrobial Enhanced Fish Fertilizer Supplement with Vitamins and Nutrients for Plant Health
Microbial Enhanced Fish Fertilizer Supplement with Vitamins and Nutrients for Plant Health INTRODUCTION: MicrobeBio Hydro Activator naturally occurring beneficial organisms, 100% organic proteins, and
More informationUse of Soil and Tissue Testing for Sustainable Crop Nutrient Programs
Use of Soil and Tissue Testing for Sustainable Crop Nutrient Programs Kelly T. Morgan Soil and Water Science Department Southwest Florida Research and Education Center Immokalee 239 658 3400 conserv@ufl.edu
More information3.0 Supplying Nutrients to Crops
3.0 Supplying Nutrients to Crops Plants need for healthy growth and development. Plant nutrition involves the absorption of nutrients for plant growth and is dependent on, often referred to as nutrients.
More informationFROM SOIL ELEMENTS TO FOOD NUTRIENTS: Joyce Kinabo Dept. of Food Science and Technology, Sokoine University, Tanzania
FROM SOIL ELEMENTS TO FOOD NUTRIENTS: Joyce Kinabo Dept. of Food Science and Technology, Sokoine University, Tanzania All forms of life are directly dependent on plants for food Plant foods contain almost
More informationSoil Fertility and Nutrient Management. Hailin Zhang. Department of Plant and Soil Sciences
Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management Hailin Zhang Department of Plant and Soil Sciences C H O P N K 16 ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS Ca S Mg B Cl Cu Fe Mn Mo B NON-MINERAL NUTRIENTS Carbon (C) Hydrogen (H) Oxygen
More informationFertilization Programming
Fertilization Plant Composition Water composes 90% of plant weight (fresh weight) Dry weight is composed of 17 essential elements: Non-fertilizer elements: Carbon (C) -- 41% of dry weight (DW) Hydrogen
More informationyears later the time has come to decide what vegetation should be planted. Because the City of Berkeley
Chapter 4 SOIL ANALYSIS OF THE BERKELEY NORTH WATERFRONT PARK Rumall Randhawa In 1983 the Berkeley City Dump was closed, and the process of creating the North Waterfront Park began. A landscape architect
More informationHow to Develop a Balanced Program for Pecan and Chili. Robert R Smith
Essential Plant Nutrients How to Develop a Balanced Program for Pecan and Chili Robert R Smith Nutrition Management Involves Knowledge of: Site/Soil characteristics and chemistry Plant requirements Cropping
More informationExample: Ammonium Sulphate (also called Sulphate of Ammonia) is composed of the following:
Atoms are made up of smaller particles that are held together by electrical or magnetic forces. Each atom is, in effect, like a mini solar system with a cluster of particles called electrons orbiting it.
More informationGranular Liming Materials, Precision & the forgotten nutrient! Mark Tripney 14 th January 2015
Granular Liming Materials, Precision & the forgotten nutrient! Mark Tripney 14 th January 2015 Liming Liming is the application of Calcium & Magnesium rich materials to soils in various forms. Liming benefits
More informationSoil Prescription - Sample 1
Soil Prescription - Sample 1 Hay Meadow In Eastern Kansas The following soil prescription was prepared for a five acre hay meadow in production for over three decades. The hay is sold to a livestock farmer
More informationSalts and Chlorides Remediation
Salts and Chlorides Remediation The remediation of salts and chlorides is not a process of consumption but rather a process of binding, buffering, immobilization, detoxification, filtering, or conversion
More informationThe uptake of nutrients occurs at both the roots and the leaves.
CHAPTER 37: WHAT DO PLANTS NEED TO LIVE AND HOW DO THEY GET IT? Elemental Composition of Living Organisms WHAT ARE ORGANISMS MADE OF? Element Human Alfalfa Bacterium Carbon 19.37% 11.34% 12.14% Hydrogen
More informationNutrition. Grain Legume Handbook
Grain Legume Handbook Nutrition If the nutrients (phosphorus, nitrogen, zinc, etc.) removed as grain from the paddock are not replaced then crop yields and soil fertility will fall. This means that fertilizer
More informationSlide 1. Slide 2. Slide 3
Slide 1 Feel free to contact me: Dr. Jim Walworth Walworth@ag.arizona.edu (520) 626-3364 Additional material is available at: http://ag.arizona.edu/swes/soil_fertility/ Slide 2 Slide 3 Slide 4 First, we
More information1) Yellow Corn in 2014 Compared to 2013 and ) Time of Day Plant Tissue Project
1) Yellow Corn in 2014 Compared to 2013 and 2012 2) Time of Day Plant Tissue Project Richard Jenny Agronomist AGVISE Labs, Benson, MN richardj@agvise.com Twitter: Agvise Laboratories Yellow Corn in 2014
More informationINTERPRETATION GUIDE TO SOIL TEST REPORTS
Originators of Your Crop's Dieticians 4915 West Monte Cristo Road Edinburg, Texas 78541 Telephone: 956-383-0739 Facsimile: 956-383-0730 INTERPRETATION GUIDE TO SOIL TEST REPORTS TPSL 's Daubeny Carbon
More informationPlants, soil, and nutrients. Created in partnership with Alex Lindsey, Ph.D., The Ohio State University
Plants, soil, and nutrients Created in partnership with Alex Lindsey, Ph.D., The Ohio State University Where do plants get their nutrients? Atmospheric deposition (N, S) Irrigation water Shallow groundwater
More informationTHE EFFECTS OF CALCIUM ON AVOCADO GROWTH AND ROOT HEALTH
California Avocado Society 1997 Yearbook 81: 69-78 THE EFFECTS OF CALCIUM ON AVOCADO GROWTH AND ROOT HEALTH Belinda J. Messenger 1, John A. Menge 2, Chris Amrhein 3, and Ben Faber 4 1 AgraQuest, Inc.,
More informationSoil Testing Options in High Tunnels. Bruce Hoskins University of Maine anlab.umesci.maine.edu
Soil Testing Options in High Tunnels Bruce Hoskins University of Maine hoskins@maine.edu anlab.umesci.maine.edu High Tunnel Project Yields (avg. yield ~ 3000 lb/1000 sq. ft. => 65 tons/a) Calculated (lb/a)
More informationSoil Testing and Interpretation
Introduction Soil testing, interpretation of the test results, and incorporating prescriptive remedies to improve soils should be a fundamental part of any reclamation or revegetation project. Without
More informationProceedings of AVA Annual Conference, Adelaide, Trengove, C - Influence of soil ecology on animal health and welfare
Influence of soil ecology on animal health and welfare Colin L Trengove Pro Ag Consulting POB 169, Burnside SA 5006 Introduction Ecology has been defined as the study of relations of animals and plants,
More informationFor nmental. Written By: Agustin o, Professor. Developed in. and justice for all. Department of. funded by activities. )
Site-Specificc Nutrient Management For Nutrient Management Planning To Improve Crop Production, Environ nmental Quality, and Economic Return Calcium and Magnesium: Chapter 6 of 10 Written By: Agustin Pagani,,
More informationChapter 1: Overview of soil fertility, plant nutrition, and nutrient management
Chapter 1: Overview of soil fertility, plant nutrition, and nutrient management Agustin Pagani, John E. Sawyer, and Antonio P. Mallarino / Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University Developed in cooperation
More informationAnalysis. Methods of. of Soils, Plants, Waters, Fertilisers & Organic Manures. Edited by HLS Tandon
Methods of Analysis of Soils, Plants, Waters, Fertilisers & Organic Manures Edited by HLS Tandon Fertiliser Development and Consultation Organisation 204204A Bhanot Corner, 12 Pamposh Enclave New Delhi
More informationMEASURE AND MANAGE. Soiless Mixes, Testing and Nutrition Guidelines
MEASURE AND MANAGE Soiless Mixes, Testing and Nutrition Guidelines By Dale Cowan dcowan@agtest.com Agri-Food Laboratories CCA.On Greenhouse growth media, or soiless mixes, have chemical and physical properties
More informationLecture 32: Soil Phosphorus and Cation Nutrients
Lecture 32: Soil Phosphorus and Cation Nutrients Transformation of Soil P Mineralization of Organic P in Soil P in soil OM can be mineralized and immobilized by the same processes as S and N Immobilization
More informationGreg Patterson C.C.A. President A&L Canada Laboratories
Welcome Greg Patterson C.C.A. President A&L Canada Laboratories Compost Quality Consumer of the Future Population dynamics - more and more people involved in use of compost Better educated on what is expected
More informationKaPre ExAlt Applications on Manure Trial Study
Golden Grain Farms KaPre ExAlt Applications on Manure Trial Study A Biological and Chemical Comparison of KaPre ExAlt Treated Manure vs. a Non-Treated Control October-November 21 Golden Grain Farms KaPre
More information10. Secondary nutrients Transformation, factors affecting nutrient availability, deficiency and toxicity symptoms
10. Secondary nutrients Transformation, factors affecting nutrient availability, deficiency and toxicity symptoms Learning objectives a. To understand the transformation of secondary elements b. To study
More informationINFLUENCE OF DAIRY MANURE APPLICATIONS ON CORN NUTRIENT UPTAKE
INFLUENCE OF DAIRY MANURE APPLICATIONS ON CORN NUTRIENT UPTAKE A. Moore 1, S. Hines 1, B. Brown 1, M. de Haro Marti 1, C. Falen 1, M. Chahine 1, T. Fife 1, R. Norell 1, and J. Ippolito 2 1 University of
More informationRole of Microorganisms in Wastewater Treatment
Role of Microorganisms in Wastewater Treatment The stabilization of organic matter is accomplished biologically using a variety of microorganisms Carbonaceous organic matter Gases + cell tissue Colloidal
More informationInterpreting Plant Tissue and Soil Sample Analysis
Interpreting Plant Tissue and Soil Sample Analysis Dan Fromme Associate Professor-Cotton, Corn, & Grain Sorghum Specialist LSU AgCenter Dean Lee Research & Extension Center Alexandria, Louisiana Fertilization
More informationMega Min. Maximise the potential of your livestock. Solutions. AUSTRALIA
Mega Min Maximise the potential of your livestock Solutions AUSTRALIA www.agsolutions.com.au How can the MegaMin supplement range assist my livestock? Are you experiencing Mineral or trace mineral deficiencies?
More informationA & L Canada Laboratories Inc Jetstream Road, London, Ontario, N5V 3P5 Telephone: (519) Fax: (519)
Report Number: C13114-10169 Account Number: To: ESSEX-WINDSOR SWA 2136 Jetstream Road, London, Ontario, N5V 3P5 Telephone: (519) 457-2575 Fax: (519) 457-2664 For: ROW "T2-3-12" 519-776-6370 Reported Date:
More informationA & L Canada Laboratories Inc Jetstream Road, London, Ontario, N5V 3P5 Telephone: (519) Fax: (519)
Report Number: C13304-10888 Account Number: 95000 To: ST.LAWRENCE RIVER INSTITUTE 2 ST.LAWRENCE DRIVE Attn: JEN HALEY 2136 Jetstream Road, London, Ontario, N5V 3P5 Telephone: (519) 457-2575 Fax: (519)
More informationPotassium and Phosphorus as Plant Nutrients. Secondary Nutrients and Micronutrients. Potassium is required in large amounts by many crops
Potassium and Phosphorus as Plant Nutrients Secondary Nutrients and Micronutrients Potassium is required in large amounts by many crops Yield K 2 O taken up Crop level/ac in total crop, lb Alfalfa 8 tons
More informationChapter 11 Introducing Fertilisers CONTENTS
Chapter 11 Introducing Fertilisers CONTENTS 11 Introducing Fertilisers... 11-2 11.1 Introduction... 11-2 11.2 What is a fertiliser?... 11-2 11.3 Fertiliser products... 11-2 11.3.1 Low-analysis fertilisers...
More informationUnderstanding Your Soil Report. Michael Cook 2018
Understanding Your Soil Report Michael Cook 2018 Soil Sampling Advantage gives nutrient concentrations may shed light on soil issues baseline so look for trends can be done pre-plant timing not as critical
More informationLimitations to Plant Analysis. John Peters & Carrie Laboski Department of Soil Science University of Wisconsin-Madison
Limitations to Plant Analysis John Peters & Carrie Laboski Department of Soil Science University of Wisconsin-Madison What is an essential plant nutrient omission of the element will result in abnormal
More informationINTERPRETING SOIL & LEAF ANALYSIS
INTERPRETING SOIL & LEAF ANALYSIS Nutrient use in Tree Fruit 94% of plant dry weight is carbohydrates (C, H, O) Primary sugars are sorbitol, fructose, sucrose and starch 6% is minerals 2 Essential Elements
More informationUNDERSTANDING YOUR WATER PROFILE PRESENTED BY POULTRY PARTNERS AND AHPD
UNDERSTANDING YOUR WATER PROFILE PRESENTED BY POULTRY PARTNERS AND AHPD WHY DOES IT MATTER? Water intake for commercial poultry breeds is 1.5-2x greater than feed intake Commercial birds drink more now
More informationMarkus Braaten. Elston D. Solberg. Director of Agri-Knowledge Agri-Trend. US Director of Agri-Knowledge Agri-Trend USA
Water Drives Everything!! So Make Every Drop Count Elston D. Solberg Director of Agri-Knowledge Agri-Trend Markus Braaten US Director of Agri-Knowledge Agri-Trend USA Food, Fibre and Fuel Uptake (lbs/a)
More informationEffects of Harvest Date and Late-Summer Fertilization Rate on Stockpiled Bermudagrass Forage Mineral Concentrations
Effects of and Late-Summer Fertilization Rate on Stockpiled Bermudagrass Forage Mineral Concentrations D.L. Lalman, C.M. Taliaferro, A.A. Gelvin, C.R. Johnson, J.Ball Story in Brief The objective of this
More informationFunction, maintenance and protection
2. Food and nutrients 2.3 The role of nutrients VITAMINS 2.3.3 Function, maintenance and protection Vitamins and minerals do not provide energy but they play a basic role in how the body functions. We
More informationPhysioCal. Calcimer Technology. Rapid Reacting Available Calcium from the Sea
PhysioCal Rapid Reacting Available from the ea PhysioCal PhysioCal contains a naturally soft and porous marine calcium source called Calcimer. This unique porosity and surface area allows PhysioCal to
More information1101 S Winchester Blvd., Ste. G 173 San Jose, CA (408) (408) fax Page 1 of 2
San Jose Office September 28, 2018 Report 18-262-0106 Zanker Landscape Mateirals 675 Los Esteros Road San Jose, CA 95134 Attn: Beto Ochoa RE: ZB-PPM Reaction at 7.5 is slightly alkaline and with lime absent
More informationSoil Organic Matter. Unit 2. Forms of Soil Organic Matter: OM OC x (assumes 30% C) (1.72 typically used as a conversion factor)
Unit 2 Soil Organic Matter OM OC x 1.7-2.0 (assumes 30% C) (1.72 typically used as a conversion factor) Histosol Alfisol Spodosol Forms of Soil Organic Matter: - dissolved (soil solution): DOM Nonliving
More informationIRRIGATION AND NUTRITION MANAGEMENT FOR GOOD POSTHARVEST PERFORMANCE JOHN P BOWER
IRRIGATION AND NUTRITION MANAGEMENT FOR GOOD POSTHARVEST PERFORMANCE JOHN P BOWER Agassiz, Canada Consultant: Horticultural Product Quality Objectives Fruit arrives in the market No external chilling damage
More informationEnclosed are the tissue analysis results for the samples from the greens at Golf Club.
Enclosed are the tissue analysis results for the samples from the greens at Golf Club. The results for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and sodium are reported on a percent
More informationPlant, Soil, and Nutrients
Plant, Soil, and Nutrients 1 Where do plants get their nutrients? - Atmospheric Deposition (N, S) - Irrigation water - Shallow groundwater 2 What is surface exchange? Soil has an overall charge Overall
More informationThe last 20 years have brought some
Potassium Fertilization By Dr. N. E. Christians Iowa State University The last 20 years have brought some major changes in how potassium (K) is used in turfgrass fertility programs. During that time, we've
More informationSupplying Nutrients to Crops
Supplying Nutrients to Crops What is Plant Nutrition? Plants need nutrients for healthy growth and development. Plant nutrition involves the absorption of nutrients for plant growth and is dependent on
More informationDeveloping your Fertilizer Management Program. Outline. 2/6/2018. Other factors Species Correct site Weather Weed control. Soil physical properties
MSU is an affirmativeaction, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity,
More information2009 Elba Muck Soil Nutrient Survey Results Summary, Part III: Calcium, Magnesium and Micronutrients
29 Elba Muck Soil Nutrient Survey Results Summary, Part III: Calcium, Magnesium and Micronutrients Christy Hoepting, Cornell Cooperative Extension Vegetable Program Introduction This is the final part
More informationDAFFODILS ARE WHAT THEY EAT: NUTRITIONAL ASPECTS OF SOILS
DAFFODILS ARE WHAT THEY EAT: NUTRITIONAL ASPECTS OF SOILS Dick Wolkowski Extension Soil Scientist Department of Soil Science University of Wisconsin - Madison Basic concepts of soil fertility How plants
More informationG l o b e G r o w i n g S o l u t i o n s N e w s l e t t e r J u l y P a g e 1. Newsletter
G l o b e G r o w i n g S o l u t i o n s N e w s l e t t e r J u l y 2 0 1 4 P a g e 1 Newsletter July 2014 Monthly Focus - Broad Spectrum Residual Insect Control with Technology and Performance As spring
More informationSoil acidity. Kiyoshi Tsutsuki
Soil acidity Kiyoshi Tsutsuki http://timetraveler.html.xdomain.jp H = log (H+) oriba Home page ph and crop growth (vegetables and root crops) Low ph tolerance strong (4.0~5.0) A little strong (4.5~6.0)
More informationUnderstanding and Utilizing Feed Tags for Effective. Mineral Supplementation
Understanding and Utilizing Feed Tags for Effective Mineral Supplementation Feed tags on mineral supplements, unlike other types of commercial feeds, can be very useful in evaluating the relative value
More informationPhosphorus (P) The Fuel of Life
The Phosphorus Cycle Phosphorus (P) The Fuel of Life Phosphorus Losses: - P leaching losses are low. - Topsoil erosion causes significant loss. - P removal through products. - P lost to unproduc
More information