Soils Reportx

Soil Management and Fertilization Report
CSS 200 – Soils and Plant Nutrition

Site Description
We chose three soil management units within close proximity to each other but representing different
types of plantings:
SMU A - A raised flower bed
SMU B - A grade level planting bed of woody shrubs and small trees
SMUC - An area of turf

SMU A; A raised flower bed
The flower bed is raised about 2 feet above grade. It is about 90 feet long and 11 feet wide. The bed has
a natural rock edging and is planted with small evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs. There is
about 2” of mulch over the surface of the bed. The bed is south facing, runs east to west and has a slight
berm up to the center of the bed. Because of orientation and slope, it appears that the bed does not have
any issues of water retention.

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SMU B; A grade level planting bed
The grade level planting bed is about 1050 square feet and wedge-shaped. There is a small arbor with
bench in the middle of it. The bed is planted with large deciduous bushes. The bed is south facing. It
appears to have compacted soil and has a 2” layer of mulch over the surface. The bed is generally flat
with a slight depression towards the center. There is a small pond to one edge.

SMU C; An area of turf
The turfed area is open to the south, east and west and is adjacent to a raised flower bed (see SMU A) to
the north. The area is generally flat with a very slight rise to the east and the south. There is a water
drain towards the center of the turf; this area and the area about six feet around the drain has been
excluded from this study. The grass appears to have a drainage problem; it can be mucky to walk
through during a rain event.

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Soil Management Unit A

The raised bed is an elevated berm consisting of a mix of tree and shrub plant material. It has a rock wall
containing it with an existing layer of mulch spread evenly in and around the shrubs. Plants are spaced
sporadically allowing for sufficient sun exposure and air circulation. This bed displays a mixture of
ornamental, acid- loving, spring and summer flowering shrubs as well as deciduous and evergreen trees
for students of the LAT department to study and enjoy. Some of these plants include: Lupine, Ilex,
Heather, Lavender, Viburnum, a Birch and Pine tree, Japanese maple, Day Lily, and Leycesteria. All
plants seem to demonstrate healthy growth habits and no apparent nutrient deficiencies.

Soil Description

Consistency: The moist soil sample seemed to be composed of a variety of minerals and
organic matter. It broke apart under firm pressure into smaller chunks and was
crumbly.
Color:

10YR 4/3
Infiltration Rate: 12.3“ per hour
Texture: Sand = 2 ml / 15 ml (total) = 13% sand

Silt = 7 ml / 15 ml (total) = 47% silt
Clay = 6 ml / 15 ml (total) = 40% clay
Soil sample texture -
borderline: Silty Clay / Silty Clay Loam
Texture of soil = Fine

Permeability: Low permeability
The higher percentages of silt and clay indicate a fine textured soil which
results in small pore sizes and a low rate of permeability.

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Soil Test Results

Humus: 3 – Medium (for garden/greenhouse soils)
pH: 5.96
pH of 5.96 for this ornamental shrub bed is appropriate
Nitrogen (N): 40 lb/acre * 5 = 20 ppm
Phosphorus (P): 25 lb/acre * 5 = 12.5 ppm
Potassium (K): 300 lb/acre * 5 = 150 ppm
Calcium (Ca): 1400 ppm / 200 = 7 meq.
Magnesium (Mg): Medium; 25 ppm / 121 = .21 meq

Fertilization Recommendations*

The pH level is appropriate for this type of bed;
Lime
Recommendation: No amendments are necessary
Since the soil test results for:
Fertilizer
Recommendation: Phosphorus were less than 25 ppm
Potassium were less than 300 pm
A 15-15-15 fertilizer at a rate of 2 lb/100 sf could be applied to this bed.
According to the following equation: 1,050 sf * 2/100 =
21 lb of 15-15-15 fertilizer could be applied to this bed.
Organic Fertilizer: If an organic fertilizer is desired, then it is recommended that 42 lb of a 7-3-2
fertilizer be applied to this bed.
Application: Sidedress the fertilizer close to the base of the plant materials, making sure
that fertilizer granules do not land on leaves of shrubs or trees.
Scratch the fertilizer into the top 2” of the soil carefully so roots are not
damaged.
Apply irrigation after fertilizing so that plants can absorb nutrients.
Schedule: Apply fertilizer as recommended above in early spring

* Fertilizer recommendations/calculations for SMU A and B are from ‘Fertilizing
Your Garden’ (EC 1503)

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Soil Management Recommendations

The level of humus for this soil is at acceptable level. However, it is always beneficial to add mulch and
organic matter to a planting bed. It is recommended that 2” of compost be added to this bed in late
spring/early summer to prevent moisture loss, regulate summer temperature and prevent erosion.
The fine texture of the soil indicates that the soil is able to hold nutrients well, but that it might have low
permeability. Adding a layer of compost as recommended above will contribute to the soil structure which
will in turn allow for better permeability.
The pH is appropriate for this type of bed; no amendments are necessary at this time.
At the time this study was conducted, the shrubs and trees living in this bed are in their dormant season,
however, they appear to be thriving and healthy. Fertilizing the bed, while recommended, is optional as
long as the plant materials continue to thrive.
In order to care for your shrub bed, the following are recommendations for ongoing best care practices for
your soil:

Weed early in growing season.
•
Add organic matter to the soil in the form of compost
•
Water deeply and infrequently, about 1” once a week.
•

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Soil Management Unit B

This grade level planting area is situated between an area of turf, a walking path and working
greenhouses. It contains a smaller variety of plant material and may serve as a mixed use area with a
arbor and bench to offer a place to sit. There is a pond at one end and a subtle depression toward the
southeast corner of the bed that acts as a drainage basin. There is a layer of mulch spread evenly
throughout the bed. This area contains several different sizes of established Spirea shrubs, a row of
Redtwig dogwood, a cluster of Lavender and Verbena and a Hardy Kiwi trained up the arbor.

Soil Description

Consistency: The moist soil sample was firm, plasticy and sticky. It held up, without
crumbling, under pressure.
Color:

10YR 5/3
Infiltration Rate: 30.4” per hour
Texture: Sand = 4.5 ml / 15 ml (total) = 30% sand
Silt = 8 ml / 15 ml (total) = 53% silt
Clay = 2.5 ml / 15 ml (total) = 17% clay
Soil sample texture – Silt Loam
Texture of soil = Course / Medium

Permeability: Good permeability
The higher percentages of sand and silt indicate a course/medium textured soil
which results in larger pore sizes and a high rate of permeability.

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Soil Test Results

Humus: 1 – Very low (for garden/greenhouse soils)
pH: 6.13
pH of 6.13 for this ornamental shrub bed is appropriate;
Phosphorus (P): 50 lb/acre * 5 = 25 ppm
Magnesium (Mg): Low; 10 ppm / 121 = .08 meq

Fertilization Recommendations *

The pH level is appropriate for this type of bed;
Lime
Fertilizer
Recommendation: Phosphorus were equal to 25 ppm
Potassium were less than 300 pm
A 15-15-15 fertilizer at a rate of 1.5 lb/100 sf could be applied to this bed.
According to the following equation: 990 sf * 1.5/100 =
15 lb of 15-15-15 fertilizer could be applied to this bed.
Organic Fertilizer: If an organic fertilizer is desired, then it is recommended that 30 lb of a 7-3-2
fertilizer be applied to this bed.
Application: Sidedress the fertilizer close to the base of the plant materials, making sure
that fertilizer granules do not land on leaves of shrubs or trees.
Scratch the fertilizer into the top 2” of the soil carefully so roots are not
damaged.
Apply irrigation after fertilizing so that plants can absorb nutrients.
Schedule: Apply fertilizer as recommended above in early spring

* Fertilizer recommendations/calculations for SMU A and B are from ‘Fertilizing
Your Garden’ (EC 1503)

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The infiltration rate indicates that water is appropriately soaking into soil. To avoid potential compaction
though, the client might consider adding a walking path or pavers to the turf area and to the sitting area.
The level of humus for this soil is very low. It is recommended that 2” of a blended mulch be added to this
bed in late spring/early summer to prevent moisture loss, regulate summer temperature and prevent
erosion. Gradually, the mulch will also increase the amount of humus in the soil and the amount of
nutrients the soil can hold. When adding the organic matter, use a wheel barrow to prevent potential soil
compaction.
The coarse texture of the soil indicates that the soil has adequate permeability and good aeration, but
might become deficient in some nutrients. It is recommended that the client test the soil in this area
regularly and modify fertilizing applications as necessary.
The pH is appropriate for this type of bed; no amendments are necessary at this time.
At the time this study was conducted, the shrubs living in this bed are in their dormant season, however,
they appear to be thriving and healthy. Fertilizing the bed, while recommended, is optional as long as the
plant materials continue to thrive.
In order to care for your shrub bed, the following are recommendations for ongoing best care practices for
your soil:

Weed early in growing season.
•
Add organic matter to the soil in the form of mulch.
•
Water deeply and infrequently, about 1” once a week.
•

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Soil Management Unit C

We measured an area of turf of perennial rye grass that is 8,000 sq. ft. This stretch of turf is bordered by
several planting beds and is relatively open facing most directions. It experiences a slight grade change
from the east and south with a recessed area in the center and a drain to facilitate drainage. The area
around this drain (out about 6 ft) has been excluded from this study. The grass is fairly lush and green,
but appears to drain slowly after a heavy rain shows very little aeration when viewed up close.

Soil Description

Consistency: The moist soil sample was firm, silky and smooth. It broke apart only slightly
under firm pressure.
Color:

10YR 5/3
Infiltration Rate: 3.8” per hour
Texture: Sand = 6 ml / 15 ml (total) = 40% sand
Silt = 7.5 ml / 15 ml (total) = 50% silt
Clay = 1.5 ml / 15 ml (total) = 10% clay
Soil Sample Texture – borderline: Loam / Silt Loam
Texture of soil = Medium

Permeability: Good / Moderate permeability
The higher percentages of sand and silt indicate a course/medium textured soil
which results in larger pore sizes and a high rate of permeability.
However, the low rate of infiltration and the location of the turf indicates that
the area may have suffered some compaction which reduces its permeability
capabilities.

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Soil Test Results

Humus: 2 – Low (for garden/greenhouse soils)
pH: 6.3
perennial rye grass likes 5.5 – 6.5; therefore the pH in this area is appropriate
Phosphorus (P): 150 lb/acre * 5 = 75 ppm
Magnesium (Mg): Medium; 25 ppm / 121 = .21 meq

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Fertilization Recommendations **

The pH level is appropriate for this type of turf;
Lime
Fertilizer
Recommendation: Phosphorus was more than 20 ppm; we don’t need to add phosphorus
Potassium was less than less than 250 ppm; we should add potassium
The client would like to fertilize the lawn to achieve a ‘medium’ quality,
therefore 3-4 lb of nitrogen per year is desirable.
A 6-1-4 or 24-4-16 fertilizer is recommended for this bed.
According to the following equations:
3 lb N/1,000 sf / .06 = 50 lb/1000 sf * 8 = 400 lb fertilizer per year
•
3 lb N/1,000 sf / .24 = 12.5 lb/1000 sf * 8 = 100 lb fertilizer per year
•

400 lb of a 6-1-4 fertilizer of 100 lb of a 24-4-16 fertilizer could be applied to
this bed.
Organic Fertilizer: If an organic fertilizer is desired, then it is recommended that 400 lb (annually)
of a 6-1-2 DPW (dried poultry waste) fertilizer be applied to this turf.
Application: Apply fertilizer using a drop-type spreader.
Apply fertilizer at half the recommended rate and go over the area once,
overlapping slightly with each consecutive pass. Go over the area a second
time at 90° to the first pas, again overlapping slightly with each consecutive
pass.
Irrigate lawn after fertilizing to keep the lawn moist. Be careful not to over-
water, creating runoff.
Schedule: Apply 1/2 the total amount of fertilizer as recommended above twice
throughout the year:
Early spring (April / May) – apply 200 lb / 8,000 sf of 6-1-2 DPW
•
(organic) or 6-1-4 (synthetic) fertilizer (or 50 lb / 8,000 sf of 24-4-16)
Early fall (September / October) – same as above
•

** Fertilizer recommendations/calculations for SMU C are from ‘Fertilizing Lawns’
(EC 1278) and ‘Calculating Fertilizer Application Rates’ (SMU C)

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The low infiltration rate indicates that the soil has undergone some compaction. It is recommended that
the turf be aerated during early summer.
The level of humus for this soil is low. It is optional, but after aerating the client might consider spreading
compost over the turf.
The coarse texture of the soil indicates that the soil might become deficient in some nutrients. It is
recommended that the client test the soil in this area regularly and modify fertilizing applications as
necessary.

The pH is appropriate for this type of turf; no amendments are necessary at this time.
In order to care for your turf, the following are recommendations for ongoing best care practices for your
soil:
Mow regularly, cutting the lawn to no less than 2” in height. When mowing, the client should
•
remove, at the most, 1/3 of the height at any one time.
It is recommended that the client mow the lawn in a different direction each time. Grass clippings
•
should be left on the turf.
Since infiltration rate is low, it is recommended that the client water 3-4 times per week for a total
•
of 1”.

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Nutrient Comparison

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Summary of Findings

We measured an area of turf of perennial rye grass that is 8,000 sq. ft. This stretch of turf is bordered by
several planting beds and is relatively open facing most directions. It experiences a slight grade change
from the east and south with a recessed area in the center and a drain to facilitate drainage. The area
around this drain (out about 6 ft) has been excluded from this study. The grass is fairly lush and green,
but appears to drain slowly after a heavy rain shows very little aeration when viewed up close.

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