Table of Contents Slide 1 Introduction Part I: Definitions Definitions: soil functions Three categories of soil qualities Soil organic matter Principle Soil Decomposers Comparing active and passive OM
Role of soil organic matter Two major components:
Soil Structure: Water holding capacity Slide 11 Soil structure: Biological mechanisms of aggregation Nutrient reservoir: Cation exchange capacity Nutrient reservoir: Decomposition Decomposition Soil Organic Matter Continuum Effects of OM additions Part II: Measuring Soil Health Measuring soil health Field assessment 1: Slide 20 Slide 21 Measuring soil health Field assessment 2: Slide 23 Slide 24
Measuring soil health Lab tests
Part III: Managing Soil Health Uncontrollable factors Controllable factors Practices: Tillage Slide 30 Slide 31 Slide 32 Practices: Cover crops/green manures Slide 34 Slide 35 Slide 36 Slide 37 Slide 38 Slide 39 Practices: crop rotation Practices: manuring Slide 42 Practices: Adding materials from off the farm Slide 44 Slide 45 Practices: Conservation Slide 47 Summary: management practices that modify soil organic matter Time-line for soil improvements with organic amendment additions Long-term effects: Slide 51 Conclusion Soil Health: Resources Slide 54 Conventional view of soil Emerging view of soil health
Authors: Laurie E. Drinkwater and Cary Oshins |
