Soil in the Vegetable Garden: Soil in the Vegetable Garden: Soil in the Vegetable Garden: Soil in the Vegetable Garden: Its’ characteristics, preparation & Its’ characteristics, preparation & managementmanagementmanagementmanagement

Mitchell MoteMitchell MoteExtension AgentUT / TSU ExtensionUT / TSU ExtensionRutherford County

GENERAL SOIL GENERAL SOIL

An introduction to how soil is formed and the various components in soil

GENERAL SOIL GENERAL SOIL CHARACTERISTICSCHARACTERISTICS

IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction

What is Soil?◦ the basic material of

the gardener’s art◦ has some

characteristics of it’s parent materialp◦ not “dirt” (dirt is

soil out of place)soil out of place)

Desirable soil characteristicsDesirable soil characteristicsDesirable soil characteristicsDesirable soil characteristics

The ability to supply the necessary y pp y yelements to plants in adequate quantities when needed (fertility)( y)Deep enough to insure adequate rooting for plant stability and productionp y pStability: resist washing or blowing away

The Formation of SoilThe Formation of SoilThe Formation of SoilThe Formation of Soil

Soil is formed over many Soil is formed over many years by the physical or chemical weathering of rock.Parent material refers to those rocks or deposits those rocks or deposits from which a soil develops.Deposits from wind and water also influence soil developmentdevelopment

Soil ProfileSoil ProfileSoil ProfileSoil Profile

M il Most soils are arranged in 3 distinct l h i

A = Topsoil

layers or horizons.The principle horizons are collectively called the

B = Subsoil

soil profile.C = Parent Matter

The Formation of SoilThe Formation of SoilThe Formation of SoilThe Formation of Soil

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service lists 8 Major Land Resource Areas in Tennessee

Nashville or Central Basin (that’s Nashville or Central Basin (that’s us)us)

The Nashville or Central Basin is predominately hilly and steep with widely scattered tracts of rolling landgSoils range from shallow to deep over rockPasture and forest occupy the largest acreageacreage

Soil CompositionSoil Composition((Of a Good Soil)Of a Good Soil)

Water & Air 50% (by volume)Water & Air - 50% (by volume)Soil Mineral Matter - 48.5% (¨)Living Organisms - .5% (¨)g g ( )Organic Matter - 1% (¨)

Water & AirWater & AirWater & AirWater & Air

Saturation

Fi ld C itField Capacity

PermanentPermanent Wilting Point

Living Living OrganismsOrganismsLiving Living OrganismsOrganisms

.5%

Organic Organic Matter (OM)Matter (OM)

Enhances development of structure

Organic Organic Matter (OM)Matter (OM)1%

E t MEnhances development of structure.

Stabilizes soil structure

Eat MoreChicken

Stabilizes soil structure.

Source of nutrientsSource of nutrients (OM contains 5% N and 0.5% P & S)

Large nutrient andLarge nutrient and water holding capacity

Soil Soil Physical Physical Properties Properties –– difficult to change difficult to change

Landscape PositionSlopeRooting DepthColorD iDrainagePresence of Rock FragmentsSoil TextureSoil TextureOdor – may be a chemical property

Soil TextureSoil TextureSoil TextureSoil TextureThe mineral portion of the soil is made up of a mixture of 3 base particles; sand, silt and clay. Their proportions in the soil determine textureThey differ in size and compositionSand and silt are larger; mostly crushed quartz, f ld i h bl d & i ( il ’ b feldspar, mica, hornblende & augite (silt can’t be seen without a microscope)Clay is much smaller particles not visible Clay is much smaller, particles not visible without extreme magnification; composed mostly of minerals formed by the chemical mostly of minerals formed by the chemical breakdown of sand and silt

Soil TextureSoil TextureSoil TextureSoil Texture

The Size of Soil ParticlesThe Size of Soil Particles

Medium SiltMedium Silt

FineCoarseClay

SandClay

Soil TextureSoil TextureSoil TextureSoil Texture

Loam- a mixture of sand, silt and clay in relatively equal concentration that’s e at ve y equa co ce t at o t at s considered ideal for agricultural uses. Soil texture classifications are based on Soil texture classifications are based on the percentages of sand, silt and clay12 texture classes have been established12 texture classes have been established

Percent 100

90 Percent10Clay 80

70

Percent Silt20

30Soil 70

60

30

40

50

Soil

Textural 50

40

50Textural

Triangle 60

30

20

g70

80

10 90

100

Percent Sand

102030405060708090100

Soil TextureSoil TextureSoil TextureSoil Texture3 soil textural groups; can be determined with the finger testFinger Test- wet soil sample to the g pconsistency of putty; form a ½”-¾” diameter ball; press the ball between thumb/finger & try to form a ribbonCoarse texture- won’t form a ribbonMedium texture- short ribbon, breaks easilyFine texture- ribbon holds together well

Importance of Soil TextureImportance of Soil TextureImportance of Soil TextureImportance of Soil Texture

Soil texture affects:◦ Water and nutrient holding capacity◦ Water infiltration rate◦ Water movement in the soil◦ Root penetrationp◦ Ease of tillage◦ MoreMore

Available Water Holding Capacity Available Water Holding Capacity (AWHC) of Soil Textural Groups(AWHC) of Soil Textural Groups

f S i CTexture of Soil Average AWHC(inches/inch of soil)

Coarse 0 05Coarse 0.05

Medium 0.20

Fine 0.15

Soil Chemical Soil Chemical Properties Properties –– more more readily manipulated readily manipulated

Soil Chemical PropertiesSoil Chemical PropertiesSoil Chemical PropertiesSoil Chemical Properties

Two chemical properties are easy to p p ymeasure accurately and are fairly easy to manipulate:ppHNutrient levelsNutrient levels

Essential Plant Nutrients (18)Essential Plant Nutrients (18)( )( )

Non-Mineral: Primary orMicronutrients:

Zinc ZnNon Mineral:

Carbon - C

H d H

Primary or Macronutrients:

Nitrogen - N

Zinc - Zn

Chlorine - ClHydrogen - H

Oxygen - O

Nitrogen N

Phosphorus - P

Potassium K

Boron - B

Molybdenum - MoPotassium - K

Secondary:Copper - Cu

Iron - FeCalcium - Ca

Magnesium - MgManganese – Mn

Cobalt – COg g

Sulfur - SCobalt CO

Nickel - Ni

Function of ElementsFunction of ElementsFunction of ElementsFunction of Elements

NITROGEN – Promotes rapid vegetative growth

PHOSPHORUS – Stimulates root growth& blooming & aids i d f iin seed formation.POTASSIUM - Increase vigor & disease resistance. Increase stalk & straw strength. Increase grain & seed quality.stalk & straw strength. Increase grain & seed quality.CALCIUM - Improves root formation, straw stiffness and vigor.MAGNESIUM - Helps uptake of other elements & aids chlorophyll formation, phosphorus metabolism.

Elements functions contElements functions contElements functions cont.Elements functions cont.

SULFUR - Amino acids, vitamins. Promotes dark green color.

Boron – Aids carbohydrate transport and cell division.

Copper – Enzymes, light reactions.

Iron – Chlorophyll formation.

Manganese – Oxidation-reduction reactions. gHasten germination and maturation.Zinc – Auxins, enzymes.

Elements functions contElements functions contElements functions cont.Elements functions cont.

Molybdenum – Aids nitrogen fixation and y gnitrate assimilation.Cobalt – Essential for nitrogen fixation.Coba t sse t a o t oge at o .Nickel – Grain filling, seed viability.Chlorine Water useChlorine – Water use.Oxygen – Hydrogen – Carbon are

d f t l tcompounds of most plants.

Soil pH Soil pH Soil pH Soil pH Soil pH refers to the amount of hydrogen p y g(H) ions or acidity found in soils.Acid levels increase as basic nutrients c eve s c ease as bas c ut e ts (Ca, Mg, K) are replaced from the soil by hydrogeny gBasic nutrients are removed by plants, leached or erodedleached, or erodedAcid forming (N) fertilizers increase acid levelslevels

Soil pH Soil pH

The pH scale ranges from 0-14; most TN The pH scale ranges from 0-14; most TN soils range from 4.5-7.57 is neutral; <7 is acid; >7 is basic7 is neutral; <7 is acid; >7 is basicNutrient availability is directly affected by HpH.

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 140 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 ________________________________________

ACID/SOUR ALKALINE/SWEETACID/SOUR ALKALINE/SWEET

Soil pH and Its Effects on Nutrient Soil pH and Its Effects on Nutrient AvailabilityAvailability

BASIC SOIL BASIC SOIL

An introduction to the few things we can do to enhance a soils’ productivity

BASIC SOIL BASIC SOIL MANAGEMENTMANAGEMENT

It’s difficult to plot a course for aIt s difficult to plot a course for a journey if you don’t know where

’ t ti i t iyou’re starting point is.

It’s equally difficult to effectively manage your garden’s soil if youmanage your garden s soil if you don’t have some basic information about it to begin with.

Soil TestingSoil TestingSoil TestingSoil Testing

A way to measure the soil’s chemical A way to measure the soil s chemical properties that we can manipulate“Don’t Guess Soil Test!”Don t Guess, Soil Test!◦ A basic soil test can be conducted through your

county Extension officecounty Extension office.◦ Charge: $7/sample (for basic soil test)◦ Takes about 2 weeks to receive the results◦ Takes about 2 weeks to receive the results.◦ A basic soil test will indicate the pH value,

Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) content Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) content, Calcium (C) and Magnesium (Mg) content

S il T tiS il T tiSoil TestingSoil Testing

When to sample:When to sample:◦ Soils can be analyzed at any time of the year,

however fall is a desirable time because:however fall is a desirable time because:Fields are drier and more accessible and the lab is not as busy. (*Soil samples must be dry when submitted to the lab.)Testing in fall allows recommended rates of lime to be applied well in advance of spring planting (giving it a applied well in advance of spring planting (giving it a chance to work before planting)

S il T tiS il T tiSoil TestingSoil Testing

H OfHow Often:◦ Before planting a new garden or landscape area;

hthen:Lawns/Gardens/Ornamental beds—every 3 –5 years or if you suspect a problem5 years or if you suspect a problem.

Soil Sampling for a Good Soil TestSoil Sampling for a Good Soil TestSoil Sampling for a Good Soil TestSoil Sampling for a Good Soil Test

What is a good soil test?g◦ One that is accurate!How do you insure a good soil test?How do you insure a good soil test?◦ Collect a representative sample!

S il Sam lin f r a G d S il TestS il Sam lin f r a G d S il TestSoil Sampling for a Good Soil TestSoil Sampling for a Good Soil Test

Tools Needed:◦ A soil probe, shovel

or spade◦ Bucket◦ Soil test form◦ Soil sample box

S il Sam lin f r a G d S il TestS il Sam lin f r a G d S il TestSoil Sampling for a Good Soil TestSoil Sampling for a Good Soil Test

For lawns and gardens, sub-samples should be collected at random from 8-12 locations.◦ Areas of contrasting soils, problem spots or portions of the

field where crop response is significantly different should be sampled separatelysampled separately.

Sample to a depth of 6”Place each sub-sample in the bucketPlace each sub sample in the bucketMix sub-samples well when they’re all collected; remove plant material & other debris; pull out about a cup to submit to the lab for testing

Soil Sampling for a Good Soil TestSoil Sampling for a Good Soil TestSoil Sampling for a Good Soil TestSoil Sampling for a Good Soil Test

Properly Select the Sampling Area.p y p g◦ The area should not exceed 10 acres.◦ Areas of contrasting soils, problem spots, etc. should

b l d l if iblbe sampled separately if possible.

XX

Collect Adequate SubCollect Adequate Sub--samplessamplesCollect Adequate SubCollect Adequate Sub samplessamples

Collect Good SubCollect Good Sub--samplessamplesCollect Good SubCollect Good Sub samplessamples

Uniform coresUniform coresUniform coresUniform cores

are important!are important!

What About Sampling Raised and What About Sampling Raised and Other Beds?Other Beds?

That’s a good question, let’s talk about it!g q

Additional Steps to a Good Soil TestAdditional Steps to a Good Soil TestAdditional Steps to a Good Soil TestAdditional Steps to a Good Soil Test

Fill out the information sheet accurately y(look at your example now)For each sample listed in the left column, o eac sa p e ste t e e t co u , you may request recommendations for up to 4 cropspUse crop codes listed on the back of info sheet (if yours isn’t there write it in & be sheet (if yours isn t there, write it in & be specific that it’s for a garden)Info on sample boxes should correspond Info on sample boxes should correspond to the info sheet

Let’s look at a soil test reportLet’s look at a soil test report and try to interpret it!y p

Wh t if H N d t b Adj t d? Wh t if H N d t b Adj t d? What if pH Needs to be Adjusted? What if pH Needs to be Adjusted?

◦ Various lime sources are used to raise soil pH ◦ Various lime sources are used to raise soil pH when it falls below the recommended ranges◦ Most common and economical in TN is Most common and economical in TN is

agricultural limestone; can be calcitic (Ca) or dolomitic (Ca, Mg)◦ UT recommends using elemental sulfur to

adjust soil pH downward (to more acid range) when it is above the recommended ranges when it is above the recommended ranges. (Iron sulfate and aluminum sulfate can also be used.)

ADJUSTING THE SOIL PH ADJUSTING THE SOIL PH LEVELLEVEL

Apply lime to reduce soil acidity. Use no more than 50 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. per application. If more is needed, make split

li ti 6 th t E t l applications 6 months apart. Expect long adjustment period.Apply sulfur to increase soil acidity Use 2 lbs Apply sulfur to increase soil acidity. Use 2 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. for each 0.1 unit change in the pH level. Apply 3 months before planting. Expect pH level. Apply 3 months before planting. Expect extremely short adjustment period. 1/3 more needed on fine textured soil; 1/3 less on ;coarse textured.

Now let’s feed the plants by adding fertilizeradding fertilizer

Fertilizer MaterialsFertilizer Materials

Complete vs. Incomplete Fertilizerp pSlow Release vs. Quick Release FertilizersOrganic Fertilizer

Understanding a Fertilizer Bag/LabelUnderstanding a Fertilizer Bag/LabelUnderstanding a Fertilizer Bag/LabelUnderstanding a Fertilizer Bag/Label

Fertilizer Materials:◦ The analysis on the bag refers to how much

of each nutrient there is in that particular fertilizer, expressed as a percentage.◦ All fertilizers are labeled with 3 numbers that

represent the % of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (expressed as P₂O₅) and Potassium (K₂0).Si l h b N P K◦ Simply put, the numbers represent N, P, K

Fertilizer AnalysisFertilizer AnalysisFertilizer AnalysisFertilizer Analysis

A fertilizer bag should list:g◦ Percentages of:

NP2O5

K2O

◦ Sources of NutrientsSources of NutrientsUrea or Ammonium NitrateTriple Super PhosphateTriple Super PhosphateMuriate of Potash

◦ Amount (wt.) of Fertilizer

Complete Fertili erComplete Fertilizer:◦ A fertilizer which contains N, P & K (the

primary nutrients)primary nutrients)◦ Common examples are: 6-12-12, 10-10-10,

12-12-12, 15-15-15 etc.,

Incomplete Fertilizers:◦ Will be missing one or more of the primary Will be missing one or more of the primary

nutrients.◦ Examples: 34-0-0 (ammonium nitrate), 46-0-0

(Urea), 18-46-0 (diammonium phosphate), 0-0-60 (muriate of potash) etc.

Slow Release Fertilizers: ◦ Contain one or more essential nutrients (usually N) which

are released over an extended time (several weeks or more)◦ Advantages include: fewer applications low burn potential◦ Advantages include: fewer applications, low burn potential.◦ Disadvantages include: delayed plant response◦ Examples include sulfur coated urea (SCU), polymer coated

(PCU) d urea (PCU), and many more

Quick Release Fertilizers:Quick Release Fertilizers:◦ Highly water soluble, nutrients are released and become

readily available to the plants quicklyAd t i l d i k b th l t◦ Advantages include: quick response by the plant

◦ Disadvantages include: greater burn potential, may have to apply more frequently

◦ Examples include ammonium nitrate and many more

Organic fertilizers: the nutrients contained in the product are derived solely from the remains of a once-living organism; usually not

i dvery nutrient denseExamples: cotton-seed meal, blood meal, bone meal

I i th ti f tili◦ Inorganic or synthetic fertilizers: nutrients contained in the product are derived from inorganic materials (minerals); normally from inorganic materials (minerals); normally very nutrient dense compared to organics

Examples: urea 13-13-13 etcExamples: urea, 13-13-13, etc.

Methods for Applying FertilizersMethods for Applying FertilizersMethods for Applying FertilizersMethods for Applying Fertilizers

BroadcastinggBandingFertilization of Planted Area onlyFertilization of Planted Area onlySide dressingsF li F diFoliar Feeding

HOW SHOULD FERTILIZER BE HOW SHOULD FERTILIZER BE SPREAD ?SPREAD ?

Gravity Flow

Centrifugal

Hand

We’ve manipulated the soils’ We ve manipulated the soils chemical properties with f tili d li i t i l fertilizers and liming materials, but can we do anything about the y gphysical properties?

Using Soil ConditionersUsing Soil ConditionersUsing Soil ConditionersUsing Soil ConditionersThe best materials to add to your soil are compost and manure.The addition of this organic matter will:◦ Improve overall soil texture/structure◦ Improve drainage◦ Improve water holding capacity◦ Provide some nutrients

Using Soil ConditionersUsing Soil ConditionersUsing Soil ConditionersUsing Soil Conditioners

Well rotted animal manure is the very best Well-rotted animal manure is the very best material to use, but it can be difficult to obtain.Compost is the ideal way to return as much Compost is the ideal way to return as much organic matter as possible back to the soil, following natures example.g pAll amendments should be well-rotted and dug into the top layer of soil. Avoid using organic matter that is “hot” or not decomposed (like fresh mulch, sawdust, or fresh manure) this

t i l b l tmaterial can burn your plants.

Using Soil ConditionersUsing Soil ConditionersUsing Soil ConditionersUsing Soil Conditioners

Horse ManureHorse ManurePig ManureSheep ManureChicken ManureAlternatives include:◦ Spent mushroom compost, composted pine p p , p p

bark, (composted anything), cotton-seed hulls, leaves, rotten saw dust

Typical Composition of Manures:Manures vary greatly in their content of fertilizing nutrients. The kind of feed used, the percentage and type of litter or bedding, the moisture content, and the age and degree of rotting or drying can all modify the composition. In the case of the commercially dried pulverized manures, some nitrogen is y p y p glost in the process. The following data is representative of typical analyses from widely scattered reports. Approximate Composition,

Per Cent Pounds per TonMoisture Nitrogen Phosphoric Acid Potash

Fresh Manure with Normal Quality of Bedding or LitterFresh Manure with Normal Quality of Bedding or LitterCow 86 11 3 10Duck 61 22 29 10Goose 67 22 11 10Hen 73 22 18 10Hog 87 11 6 9Horse 80 13 5 10Sheep 68 20 15 8Steer or feed yard 75 12 7 11Turkey 74 26 14 10Turkey 74 26 14 10Dried Commercial ProductsCow, East 10 42 63 61

West 16 18 15 31Hen, East (with litter) 16 56 57 30

West (droppings) 8 83 63 31(with litter) 13 41 37 23

Hog, West 10 45 42 20Rabbit, West 6 45 27 16Sheep, East 10 38 30 40Sheep, East 10 38 30 40

West 9 27 19 41Stockyard, East 8 41 32 36

West 15 41 11 38

Using Soil ConditionersUsing Soil ConditionersUsing Soil ConditionersUsing Soil Conditioners

Green Manure Crops◦ Are grown specifically to add organic matter to g p y g

beds that are empty for a period of time.◦ It is sown with the intention of digging it into gg g

the soil to provide organic matter and plant food.◦ Turn the crops under about 6 weeks before

planting to allow the organic material to break-ddown.

Using Soil ConditionersUsing Soil ConditionersUsing Soil ConditionersUsing Soil Conditioners

Green Manure Crops that act as nitrogen p gfixers:◦ Any legume- winter vetch, red clover, crimson y g

clover, etc

Green Manure Crops that do not fix pnitrogen:◦ Buckwheat, rye, mustard, annual ryegrass, , y , , y g ,

wheat, etc.

SOIL PREPARATIONSOIL PREPARATIONGetting ready to plant and during the fallow season

SOIL PREPARATIONSOIL PREPARATION

Choose a Good LocationChoose a Good LocationChoose a Good LocationChoose a Good Location

Vegetables love the sun; your garden g y gneeds at least 7 hours of sunlight per dayKeep water drainage in mind (fast and eep wate a age ( ast a slow)Deep soil allows deep rootingDeep soil allows deep rootingIs it close to water?C it il ?Can you see it easily?Others…

Be Prepared to be TimelyBe Prepared to be TimelyBe Prepared to be TimelyBe Prepared to be TimelySoil test early enough so needed pH adjustments can take place prior to plantingMake sure tools and power equipment are ready to work when you areTurn green manure crops under at least 6

k b f l iweeks before plantingWork in leaves, compost, etc in the fallB ld d b d d h f llBuild raised beds or temporary ridges in the fallYou can’t control the weather

Working the GroundWorking the GroundWorking the GroundWorking the Ground

Avoid working when wet; working wet g gground leads to clods and increases compaction; raised beds help with thisp pWork as deeply as you can, at least the top 6”. Deeper cultivation encourages p p gdeeper rootingTillers tractors w/plows spades digging Tillers, tractors w/plows, spades, digging forks, etc. can all work well

Working the GroundWorking the GroundWorking the GroundWorking the Ground

Thoroughly mix soil conditioners into the g ysoil to avoid creating drainage issues

Raised BedsRaised BedsRaised BedsRaised Beds

Raised beds have some advantages:g◦ They typically dry out and warm up faster in

the spring than the “flat” garden so they’re often ready to plant earlier◦ Compaction can be reduced due to minimal

foot traffic in the bed◦ It’s more feasible to manipulate the physical

h i i f il i b d h i l characteristics of soil in a bed than in a large plot of ground

Raised BedsRaised BedsRaised BedsRaised Beds

Raised beds have some disadvantages:g◦ They require labor and money (for edging,

etc.) to develop◦ Not well suited to sprawling plants such as

watermelons◦ They dry out faster

Building Raised Beds: Building Raised Beds: There are lots There are lots of options! of options! Example:p

Mark off bed area; fertilize and lime and cover the area with compost, shredded leaves or other OMWork material as deeply into soil as possible with spading fork or tillerEdge the bed- wood, blocks, etcAdd soil/OM mix to finish filling the bed; soil/OM recipe: 50% existing soil, 25% aged

25% tmanure, 25% compost

Building Raised BedsBuilding Raised BedsBuilding Raised BedsBuilding Raised Beds

Double Digging Example:gg g pMark off boundaries; use a spading fork to work the bedDig a trench 1’-2’ wide & one fork length deep across the end of the bed; remove this soil to the far end of the bedAdd lime fertilizer and OM in the trench; use spading Add lime, fertilizer and OM in the trench; use spading fork to loosen soil in bottom of trench to the depth of fork tines & work in materialMove over & dig another trench beside the first, placing the loosened soil on top of the previous trench; add OM mix, loosen soil and mix materials,

Double Digging Double Digging -- continuedcontinuedDouble Digging Double Digging continuedcontinued

Continue process to end of the bedpFill in the last trench with the soil from the firstt e stEdge the bed and DON’T walk on it!You now have a bed that should have a You now have a bed that should have a deep rooting zoneA 180 d b d 688 A 180-pound person burned approx. 688 calories per hour of double digging!

When the Season is Over When the Season is Over –– flat flat gardens or raised beds alikegardens or raised beds alike

Plant green manure crop or…g pWork in shredded leaves, etcPrepare some beds or ridges for spring Prepare some beds or ridges for spring plantingRest up it’s been a long year!Rest up, it s been a long year!

Q ti ??Questions??