Success StoryImproving Plant Production Through Detailed Sampling and Diagnoses



Improving Plant Production Through Detailed Sampling and Diagnoses

Author: John Grove

Planning Unit: Plant and Soil Sciences

Major Program: Soil testing

Outcome: Initial Outcome

With Dr. Edwin Ritchey, Plant and Soil Sciences Soil Science Extension Specialist, and Greg Comer, Ohio County ANR Agent, I visited a field owned by the city of Beaver Dam that had been leased by a series of growers over the past decade or so. All had reported that there were areas where the various crops grown had not done well, but the reasons for this had not been determined. Current operator wanted to plant a forage species there. Met with the city's land manager and determined that the field was amended with a great deal of material from the settling ponds of an old water treatment facility. Edwin and I recommended that forages not be grown until more detailed soil and plant testing was done, with special attention to areas where even weedy species were not doing well. This was accomplished and it was found that there was no evidence of metal or metalloid element contamination, but these areas did have a very low (< 4.5) soil pH. A plan to selectively lime these areas has been recommended, along with tile drainage for some other field areas. Greg reports that the city owner plans to implement these recommendations later this year.






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