Soil Organic Matter and Compost Utilization

Background: 

High clay content soils, like those typical of the Blackland Prairies Resource Area, have physical properties that make them difficult to manage.  Urban homeowners frequently ask how they can make the soil easier to work with in regards to tillage.  This long term study was established in 2001 to investigate and demonstrate the long term effects of organic matter addition to high-clay soils. 

Objective:

To investigate and demonstrate the changes in soil chemical and physical properties due to annual applications of organic matter.

Methodology:

Establishing the study area.

Experimental Design.

Fall 2001 -- Ryegrass.

Spring 2002 -- Vegetable soybeans

Fall 2002 -- Turnips and beets

Spring 2003 -- Corn

Fall 2003 -- Soybeans

Spring 2004 -- Pinto beans

Fall 2004 / Winter 2005 -- Winter Wheat

Spring/Summer 2005 -- Pigeon Pea

Fall 2005 / Winter 2006 -- Winter Wheat

Spring / Summer -- 2006 Pigeon Pea