Block 7 and 8 lots to cover! - MGABC Air and Water...Victoria Master Gardeners Association Advanced...

Victoria Master Gardeners Association

Advanced Master Gardeners Soils Blocks

7 and 8

2017-11-20

Prepared by: Geoff Hughes-Games, PAg 1

1

Block 7 and 8 lots to cover!

• Soil pH, CEC - reminders

• Nutrients– deficiencies

• Ideal nutrient ratios

• Soil tests/labs results/ test methods

• What does your soil test mean.

• Organic fertilizers – pro/con

• Acidification/salt index of various fertilizers

• N-P-K

• Calculating applications rates

• Organic fertilizers meals, minerals, rates of release, organic

• Composts/manure

• Mulches

• Cover crops

• Lime/gypsum/sulfur

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pH – reminder “managed soils”

“natural coastal soils”

pH impacts: nutrient availability

microbial (soil ‘bugs’) activity bacterial 7.0 to 7.5

fungal 5.5 to 7.0

pH can be managed

3

Cation Exchange Capacity - reminder

Relative ability of soil to adsorb exchangeable cations

Driven by organic matter and clay (content/type)

Order of bond strength: Al3+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K2+ = NH4+ > N+

Units: meq/100g (milliequivalents charge per 100 gm dry soil)

or cmolc/kg (centimoles charge per kilogram of soil)

4

Colloid Approximate CEC (cmolc/kg)

Kaolinite 3 – 15

Montmorillonite 100

Fe/Al oxides 3

Organic Matter 150 - 250

Amorphous minerals

5 - 350



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Relationship between pH and CEC

http://ic.ucsc.edu/~wxcheng/envs161/Lecture7/Ch9acid_alkalinity_Salinity.pdf5

6

Factor Affect on Nutrient AvailabilitypH • “Optimum” 6.0 and 7.0

• As levels increase or decrease from this level, availability is reduced

Organic matter • Generally increases the potential availability of micronutrients, bind nutrients, limiting availability

Soil texture

Leaching from sandy soils

Soil compaction in fine soils

• Coarse soils have less capacity to hold nutrients• Fine textured soils tend to bind nutrients in forms not available to plants

• Nitrogen, sulfur, chlorine and boron are subject to leaching

• Compacted soils can limit the amount of water and air available, which in turn reduces nutrient release to plant available from OM and minerals

Climate • Extremes of moisture or temperature will accentuate deficiencies.

• Excess moisture reduces yield potential and increases leaching of some nutrients

• Dry conditions discourage root activity and reduce OM breakdown and flow of nutrients to the plant.

• Cool temperatures reduce OM breakdown and uptake of nutrients

• phosphate has been estimated to be 3 times more available at soil temperatures of 21° C 13° C, boron deficiencies and nitrate excesses tend to be greatest under cloudy cool conditions

Crop removal • Greater crop removal also means greater nutrient removal.

Specific demands of crops • Different crops have different nutrient requirements.

Nutrient interactions • Soil chemistry is complex. Addition of nutrients will affect existing nutrient levels and added nutrients

• High phosphate levels may reduce zinc uptake, high calcium levels can decrease boron uptake and copper will influence iron



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More Factors Affecting Nutrient Availability

Soil Mobility Nutrients Results

Mobile in soil Nitrogen, Sulfur, Boron• Greater availability to plant• Prone to leaching

Somewhat immobile in soilPotassium, Calcium, Magnesium

• Moves short distances

Very immobile in soilPhosphate, Iron, Manganese, Copper, Zinc

• Low availability• High application rates allow for more uptake

by root interception (eg. phosphate)• Chelating aids in mobility and uptake

(micronutrients)

7

Plant Mobility Nutrients Results

Mobile in plantNitrogen, Phosphate, Potassium, Magnesium

• Deficiency symptoms appear on older leaves as nutrients move to new growth

Somewhat immobile in plantSulfur, Iron, Manganese, Copper, Zinc

• Deficiency symptoms appear on new growth, nutrients don’t translocate

Very immobile in plant Boron, Calcium • Deficiency symptoms appear on new growth

Plants are made up of …Nutrients

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Plant NutrientsMacro

Primary

________

SecondaryMicro Metals

Nitrogen (N) Calcium (Ca) Boron (B) Arsenic (As)

Phosphorus (P) Magnesium (Mg) Chlorine (Cl) Cobalt (Co)

Potassium (K) Sulfur (S) Copper (Cu) Cadmium (Cd)

Iron (Fe) Chromium (Cr)

Manganese (Mn) Lead (Pb)

Zinc (Zn) Mercury (Hg)

Molybdenum (Mo) Selenium (Se)*

Nickel (N) Aluminum (Al)

Zinc (Zn)

Carbon (C) Nickel (N)

Hydrogen (H) Molybdenum (Mo)

Oxygen (O) Silicon (Si)* Sodium (Na)* Copper (Cu)9

Nutrient movement to rootsMovement Nutrients

to the root

Mass flow dissolved nutrients move to plant roots as the plant absorbs waterfor transpiration.

nitrate, sulfate, calcium and magnesium

Diffusion movement of nutrients to the root surface in response to a concentration gradient

phosphorus and potassium

Root interception growth of a root causes contactwith soil colloids which contain nutrients

calcium and magnesium

intothe root

Active energy required; the nutrient is moved into the root by a "carrier" molecule or ion

Passive no energy required; the nutrient enters with water

Facilitated microbial assistance Examples:• Rhizobia – nitrogen fixing bacteria• Mychorrhizal – mainly phosphorus moving

fungi

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Typical signs of nutrient deficiency

Source: http://www.growrealfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/simple-plant-deficiency-guide.png accessed Nov. 19, 2017

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Typical Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms

Symptoms N P K Ca S Mg Fe Mn B Mo Zn CuOver

fertilization

Yellow Upper Leaves N N N N Y N Y N N N N N N

Yellow Middle Leaves N N N N N N N N N Y N N N

Yellow Lower Leaves Y Y Y N N Y N N N N N N N

Red Stems Y Y Y N N Y N N N N N N N

Necrosis N N Y N N Y N Y Y N N Y N

Spots N N N N N N N Y N N N N N

Growing Shoots Die N N N N N N N N Y N N N N

White Leaf Tips N N N N N Y N N N N Y N N

Stunted Growth Y Y N Y N N N N N N N N N

Deformed New Tips N Y N N N N N N N N N N N

Yellow Tips N N N N N N N N N N N N Y

Twisted Growth N N N N N N N N Y N N N N

Various sources: (all accessed Nov 19, 2017)

• Western Fertilizer Handbook 9nd Ed, 2002 , Chapter 4 – Essential Plant Nutrients

• Royal Horticultural Society Nutrient Deficiencies http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/profile.aspx?pid=456

• Guide to Symptoms of Plant Nutrient Deficiencies AZ1106 http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/garden/az1106.pdf

• Key to Nutrient Deficiencies in Vegetable Crops http://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease

• Nutrient Disorders in Fruit Trees PNW 121E http://extension.wsu.edu/benton-franklin/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2013/12/NutrientDisordersInTF-

pnw0121e.pdf12

http://www.growrealfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/simple-plant-deficiency-guide.png

http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/profile.aspx?pid=456

http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/garden/az1106.pdf

http://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease

http://extension.wsu.edu/benton-franklin/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2013/12/NutrientDisordersInTF-pnw0121e.pdf



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Nitrogen (N) cycle

losses Source: http://www.fao.org/docrep/006/y5066e/y5066e04.jpg accessed on Nov 19, 2017

13

NitrogenKey role for plants:

• Chlorophyll -photosynthesis

• amino acids and proteins

• DNA

• hormones

Forms:

• Nitrogen (N)

• Nitrate (NO3-)

• Ammonium (NH4+)

• Organic N

• Atmospheric N– (N2O, NO, N2, NH3)

14

http://www.fao.org/docrep/006/y5066e/y5066e04.jpg accessed on Nov 19



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• very dynamic and be easily lost

• environmental and human health concerns

• Sources:– Fertilizer

– Residual soil N

– Legumes (fixation)

– Atmosphere

– Decomposition of plant and animal residue

– Mineralization of soil organic matter

– Irrigation water

• Losses:– Crop removal

• nitrate/ammonium

– Leaching• nitrate

– Denitrification• N2, N2O, NO

– Volatilization• Ammonium (pH)

Nitrogen

15

Nitrogen Deficiency

• slow growth - stunted

• yellow or pale green colour (chlorosis)

• dead on tips or margins leaves (necrosis)

• starts with mature leaves

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Phosphorus (P) cycle

Source: http://soilweb200.landfood.ubc.ca/soil-biology/nutrient-cycles/2-phosphorus-p/

accessed Nov. 19, 2017

17

Phosphorus rolesRoles in plant:

• energy transfer

• cell membranes

• seed/root development

• enzyme regulation

• DNA

Issues:

• low availability

• low mobility

• environmental damage

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http://soilweb200.landfood.ubc.ca/soil-biology/nutrient-cycles/2-phosphorus-p /



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Phosphorus forms• Soluble P

– Orthophosphate (PO43-)

– Organic P

• Labile P– Organic

– Inorganic

• Stable (non-labile) PTightly bound to or in soil particles

– Organic

– Inorganic

• Organic– [Humus][ PO4

3- ]

– Residues

• Inorganic (pH)

– [Calcium][ PO43- ]

– [Aluminum][ PO43- ]

– [Iron][ PO43- ]

– [Clay][ PO43- ]

19

Phosphorus Deficiency

• slow growth - stunted plants

• purple colouration on foliage of some plants (old/new)

• poor seed/fruit development

• delayed maturity

• dark green

20

http://www.google.ca/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRxqFQoTCOGX3Lmhw8gCFYIyiAodxiYI3A&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmsucares.com%2Fcrops%2Fcorn%2Fcorn_stunted.html&psig=AFQjCNGDdjw8AVBON6SpkOSfF2EckZhxwA&ust=1444956706541876

http://www.google.ca/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRxqFQoTCJaWvLyiw8gCFRApiAodkBUEdA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vaniperen.com%2FProducts%2FStraights%2FPhosphate-Products%2FPhosphoric-Acid-59-Liquid.aspx&bvm=bv.105039540,d.cGU&psig=AFQjCNG5ymVzFFRH_YMSSF4x5WlesMRp1A&ust=1444956943870777



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Potassium (K) cycle

Source: http://soilweb200.landfood.ubc.ca/soil-biology/nutrient-cycles/1-potassium-k/

accessed Nov. 19, 2017

21

PotassiumRoles in Plant:

• photosynthesis and respiration rate

• enzyme/energy transfer and storage

• cell division and enlargement

• osmotic pressure/turgor

• transfer of heredity traits

• winter survival/ drought stress

• fosters nitrate-nitrogen (N) uptake and protein synthesis

• seed formation

Issues:

• low availability

• not a concern environmentally or human health

• can be an animal health concern

22

http://soilweb200.landfood.ubc.ca/soil-biology/nutrient-cycles/1-potassium-k/



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Potassium Deficiency

– slow growth

– tip and marginal chlorosis

– necrosis starts with mature leaves

– small fruit/shriveled seeds

– weak stems and stalks

– poor winter survival

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Soil Food Web – what is your plant choice?

Fungal dominated

1. Most perennials, shrubs and trees prefer their nitrogen in ammonium form and do best in fungal dominated soils.

2. Aged, brown mulches support fungal growth.

3. Mulch laid on the surface tends to support fungi.

4. Coarse, dryer mulches support fungal activity.

5. Kelp, humic and fulvic acids and phosphate rock dusts help fungi grow.

6. The roots of most conifers as well as hardwood trees form mycorrhizaewith Ectomycorrhizal fungi.

7. Most vegetables, annuals, grasses, perennials, shrubs and softwood trees form mycorrhizae with Endomycorrhizal fungi.

Bacteria dominated

1. Most vegetables, annuals and grasses prefer their nitrogen in nitrate form and do best in bacterially dominated soils.

2. Fresh, green mulches tend to support bacterial populations.

3. Sugars help the bacteria multiply and grow.

4. Mulch worked into the soil tends to support bacteria.

5. If you wet and grind mulch thoroughly, it speeds up bacterial colonization.

VS

These rules (from “Teaming with Microbes”) argue that the levels bacteria or fungi drive the food web and the plant ecology.

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Right:Source Rate Time Placement

✓ plant available✓ matches soil

character✓ crop sensitivity✓ interactions

between sources✓ compatibility if

blending✓ non-nutritive

elements

✓ soil supply✓ availability form

all sources✓ crop demand✓ fertilizer

efficiency✓ seasonal

variability✓ nutrient budget

(crop/soil/environment)

✓ economics

✓ crop uptake✓ soil nutrient

supply✓ release of

nutrients from fertilizers

✓ weather✓ logistics

✓ soil root dynamics

✓ variability of soil

✓ cultivation system

✓ potential loss mechanisms

4 R’s of Nutrient Management

Source: http://www.nutrientstewardship.com/4rs/

(accessed Nov 19, 2017)25

Nutrient sources

• Mineral fertilizers– raw or processed

• Organic sources– livestock manures

– crop residues

– composts

– organic residuals

– mined sources

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http://www.nutrientstewardship.com/4rs/



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Guarantee:Governed by Federal Fertilizers Act

12 4 8

% nitrogen % phosphate % potash

Nitrogen as N

Phosphate = units of Phosphorus (P)

1 kg P = 2.3 kg phosphate (P2O5)

Potash = units of Potassium (K)

1 kg K = 1.2 kg potash (K2O)

Fertilizer Bag Labels

27

Fertilizer sources – non-organic

Considerations:

• Salt index

• Acidification index

• Contaminants

• Trace elements

• Release rates

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analysis chemical compound

salt index acidification

21-0-0 Ammonium sulfate

69 very acid

15.5-0-0 Calcium nitrate

53 alkaline

46-0-0 urea 75 acid

0-0-60 Potassium chloride

116 neutral

0-0-50-17 Potassiumsulfate

46 neutral

0-45-0 Treble super phosphate

10 neutral



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Nutrient content of non-organic fertilizersN P2O5 K2O S

%

Ammonium sulfate 21 0 0 24

Urea 46 0 0 0

Muriate of Potash 0 0 60 0

Sulphate of Potash 0 0 50 17

Triple super phosphate

0 45 0 0

Diammoniumphosphate

18 46 0 0

Blends w/ or w/o micro nutrients

Depends on crop and season

Slow release May be sulfur, polymer or resin coated or integrated

Soluble or liquid Maybe readily soluble or available in liquid

29

Examples of other organic materialsused in gardens

• spent mushroom media

• animal manure – composted or raw

• Compost (various sources of raw materials)

• wood ash (bottom of fly)

• packaged products

• seed / vegetation meals

• animal based (blood, bone, fish) meals

• kelp

• guano

• microbial preparations

• green manure / cover crops

• byproducts – treated (e.g., biosolids) 30



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Nutrient content of organic materialsN P2O5 K2O duration rate

% dry weight monthsPounds

/ 100 ft2

Alfalfa meal 2 1 2 1 - 4 5

Soya meal 7 2 1 4 - 6 2.5

Bone meal 3 15 0 1 - 4 1

Blood meal 12 0 0 1 - 4 2

Green sand 0 1 6 5 - 10 3

Rock phosphate 0 30* 0 3 – 5 yrs 2.5

Spent mushroom compost < 1 20 <1 1 - 4 5

Wood ash 0 2 7 2 yrs 3.5

Sea soil (Original) 2.1 <1 <1 - 32 L/9 ft2

Kelp (1 lb dry = 9 lb wet) 2 1 4 0 - 1 8

Sulphate of potash magnesia

0 0 22 3 - 6 0.5

Fish meal 5 - 10 3 - 6 2 - 5 6 - 8 3 31

Manure nutrient contentsSolid Manure Type D.M. Available N Available P205 Available K20

Materials % kg/tonne (or g/kg)

Horses average 37 1.4 1.4 4.7

Sheep average 34 3.8 2.6 8.4

Beef 30% + 38 2.4 3.5 8.0

Beef 18%-30% 24 1.9 1.5 5.0

Dairy 18%-30% 21 2.1 1.5 5.0

Dairy 30% + 39 2.1 1.6 5.5

Poultry layers 34 9.3 8 8.5

Poultry broilers 68 11.3 13 17

Hog 30 3.6 4.3 6.0

**** Values vary with diet, bedding, housing, climate, breed, storage

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Has the soil been sampled and tested?What parameters, by whom and how?

Most common to look for nutrients, salts, pH, organic matter.

You can start with… • Look, feel, smell, (taste)• Plant growth

then…• Quick test (reliable?)• Lab test (time and cost)

33

Too ‘look’ for:

• nutrients

• contaminants

• biological activity

• ‘soil quality’

Why Soil Test?

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Example soil test – what does it mean?

36

• Analysis – mg/kg = ppm• High N• Very High OM, P, Ca• Med – High S• Low K• High pH• Low EC

• Lab Recommendation:• Nitrogen 1.5 lb/1000 ft2

• Potassium 2.7 lb/1000 ft2



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Soil test data

CEC % H % K % Ca % Mg % NaCa:Mg Ca:K Mg:K

Max 22 52 9 87 20 1 4.4 9.7 2.2

Min 11 0 1 33 7 0 4.7 33.0 7.0

Median 16 0 3 78 12 1 6.5 26.0 4.0

Average 16 11 3 72 13 1 5.6 22.9 4.1

Target 10 - 50 3 - 5 60 - 70 10 - 20 1 - 2 6.5 13 2

Method Cd R

educ

tion

; N

itra

te-

Nit

rogen

LO

I(τ

)

Mehlich

3

Am

mon

ium

A

ceta

te

Am

mon

ium

A

ceta

te

Am

mon

ium

A

ceta

te

Am

mon

ium

A

ceta

te

Am

mon

ium

A

ceta

te

DT

PA

DT

PA

DT

PA

DT

PA

1:1

wat

er:

soil

Sol

uble

Sal

ts

Unitsmg/kg; NO3-N ppm %

mg/kg; ppm

P

mg/kg; ppm

K

mg/kg; ppm

S

mg/kg; ppmCa

mg/kg; ppmMg

mg/kg; ppmNa

mg/kg; ppmZn

mg/kg; ppmFe

mg/kg; ppmMn

mg/kg; ppmCu mmho/cm

pH Buffer pH N OM P K S Ca Mg Na Zn Fe Mn Cu Salts

Max 7.4 6.5 37 24.5 494 564 22 3264 411 51 26.9 256 15 4.5 0.3

Min 5.7 6.2 1 5.3 89 67 3 1215 129 9 4.9 26 2 1.4 0.1

Median 6.5 6.3 11 10.3 192 146 12 2256 229 25 11.3 122 7 2.2 0.2

Average 6.5 6.3 12 12 208 183 12 2296 247 26 12 124 7 3 0

Target >10 <100 <250 >20 >650 >100 **<18 >2.5 >50 <15 >0.5 <1.0

How much nutrients are needed?

• Calculating based on soil test?

• Or just guessing?

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Practices and PhilosophySampling techniques

Lab testing methods• Kelowna, Bray P1, Mehlich 3, Olsen (bicarbonate)

• Ammonium Acetate, Modified Kelowna, Mehlich 1

• Colorimetric / quick tests

Recommendation philosophy• Sufficiency Level of Available Nutrient (SLAN), or Crop

Nutrient Requirement (CNR)

• Build-Up and Maintenance - building soil fertility level to the high category with additions of specific nutrients whose indexes were interpreted as medium or lower per the soil test.

• Basic Cation Saturation Ratio (BCSR) concept or Cation Ratio Concept - focus on the cations K, Mg, and Ca by attempting to maintain desired ratios of these cations on the soil cation-exchange complex

• desirable distribution of exchangeable nutrients is 65% Ca, 10% Mg, 5% K, and 20% H

• resulting desired ratios of 6.5Ca:1Mg, 13Ca:1K, and 2Mg:1K.

Source and form of nutrients• Local vs imported

• Synthetic vs organic

39

40

Steps to Calculating Fertilizer Application Rate

Example is for a 40-foot by 100-foot garden area, using a 18-6-12 fertilizer

1. Calculating size of area to be fertilized __ ft. long X __ ft. wide = ____ square feet Example:40 feet X 100 feet = 4000 square feet

2. Calculating fertilizer application rate __ lb. nutrient per ____ sq. ft. ------------------------------------- = __ pounds fertilizer / ____ sq. ft. __ % nutrient in fertilizer

Example: 1 lb. nutrient per 1000 sq. ft. ----------------------- = 5.5 pounds. fertilizer / 1000 sq. ft. 18% nutrient in fertilizer

3. Calculating pounds of fertilizer to apply lawn or garden application rate = pound of fertilizer

area X per garden or lawn

____ sq. ft. ___ pounds fertilizer __ pounds fertilizer ------------------ X ---------------------- = ---------------------garden or lawn ___ sq. ft. garden or lawn

Example: 4000 sq. ft. 5.5 pounds fertilizer 22 pounds fertilizer -------------- X ----------------- = --------------------lawn 1000 sq. ft. lawn



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1. Compost will inoculate the soil food web.

2. Compost can be used to inoculate beneficial microbes into soils and introduce, maintain or alter the soil food web in an area.

3. Compost/added nutrients, can make teas that are fungal dominated, bacterially dominated or an even ratio of both.

4. Compost teas are very sensitive to chlorine and preservatives.

5. Applications of synthetic fertilizers kill off or damage the soil food web.

6. High NPK additives should be avoided.

7. Use compost tea reduce impact of chemical spraying or soil drenching.

8. Excessive soil turning destroys or severely damages the soil food web.

9. Use endomycorrhizal fungi compost when planting or transplanting seeds of annuals and vegetables.

These rules (from “Teaming with Microbes”) argue that compost is the “answer” to maintain or improving the soil food web.

Soil Food Web – compost and management ?

Compost and Composting

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Composting

The controlled biological oxidation and decomposition of organic matter based on time and temperature criteria defined by raw materials and end use

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Composting

• Material sources:– yard waste– food waste– farm wastes (manure or vegetation)– wood waste– municipal solids wastes (organic)– biosolids or processing wastes

– or combinations44



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Composting• Process

– starting carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratio [30:1]*– moisture [50-60%]*– particle size (ideal 1.5 to 8 cm L/W and less than 5 (D)*– variable size distribution [impacts oxygen content]*– pH 5.5 to 8.5– Temperature:

• up to 40°C mesophilic bacteria,• 40°C to 65°C thermophilic bacteria

– Volume (backyard 1 m3)– aeration (turning or blowers) [impacts oxygen content]*

45

Composting Process

• Passive– prepare materials – chip/grind

– premix

– layer

• Active– prepare materials

– routine turning

– moisture management

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Compost Temperature

47

• Temperature is driven by type of organisms active in pile

• Controlled by moisture, aeration, pH and raw materials (i.e., C:N ratio)

• Control of pathogens and weeds requires heating

Compost:Do’s, Don’t and Maybes

Do

• use green & brown

• chip, shred, grind

• use range of particle sizes

• mix/turn

• control moisture

• turn regularly

Don’t

• add putrescible stuff (meat, dairy, pet feces)

• avoid containments (oil, paint, plastic)

• dry/wet

• compact pile

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Compost Quality (MetroVan)

Quality – general for standard landscape uses:

49

Compost and Soil metals limits - OMRR

For sales of compost: Federal Fertilizers Act and CCME∕BNQ guidelineshttp://www.ccme.ca/files/Resources/waste/compost_quality/compostgdlns_1340_e.pdf

Accessed Nov 19, 2017

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http://www.ccme.ca/files/Resources/waste/compost_quality/compostgdlns_1340_e.pdf



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Pathogen Survival

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Human and Animal Pathogens in Manure

Merle E. Olson, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary

Source: http://www.gvsar.org/images/index4/Giardia.htm accessed Nov 19, 2017

Using organic materials?mulch or incorporate

Compost Use Rates:Garden beds: 1 – 2“ incorporated to 6 – 8“

Turf top dress: 1∕4 – 1∕2“

Soil mix: 20 – 50% inclusion

Mulch: 2 – 3 “

Other materials:Dependent on material

(wood chips, bark, shavings, straw, etc.)

5

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• Incorporate (as fertilizer or conditioner)– if building a “soil” or planting bed

– to improve structure, water holding capacity, and nutrient content

– C:N Ratio - less than 40:1 for incorporated materials

• Mulch– yard waste, wood waste, high C:N ratio compost, etc.

– particle size: larger than 2.5 cm– should not be deeper than 5 to 7 cm– will reduce evaporation by as much as 70%

5

3


Compost Rates:Garden beds: 1 – 2“ incorporated to 6 – 8“

Turf top dress: 1∕4 – 1∕2“

Soil mix: 20 – 50% inclusion

Mulch: 2 – 3 “

Other materials:Dependent on material

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Cover Crops

• type– grass

– cereal

– legume

– brassica

– other broadleaf

• annual vs perennial

• winter survival

• weedy

• pest / disease bridge

• nutrient management 55

Increasing soil pH• lime (CaCO3) neutralizes acidity

• lime also supplies Calcium (Ca), which is often deficient in acid soils

• Dolomite lime also supplies Magnesium (Mg)– comprised 50% calcium carbonate, and 40%

magnesium carbonate apply lime based on:

• Apply lime based on:– a soil test

– type of crop being grown

• for gardens without a soil test:

25 kg/100 m2/year

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http://www.store.tlhort.com/ShowProductLargeImage.ashx?productid=10588



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Decreasing soil pH

• use finely ground sulfur (S)

• or pelletized with clay

• for gardens without a soil test

5 to 10 kg S/100 m2 for sandy soils

20 to 25 kg S/100 m2 for clayey soils

• must be well mixed

• incorporate to 30cm for trees and shrubs

• ammonium sulfate, aluminum sulfate and iron sulfate will decrease soil pH slowly while supplying N, Al, Fe

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http://www.store.tlhort.com/ShowProductLargeImage.ashx?productid=3832

Block 7 and 8 lots to cover! - MGABC Air and Water...Victoria Master Gardeners Association Advanced...

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