“Too many people have lost sight of the fact

that productive soil is essential to the

production of food.”

“Take care of the land and the land will take

care of you.…” – Hugh Hammond

Bennett

Hugh Hammond Bennett, the father of soil conservation

He was the head of the Soil Erosion Service when it was formed in 1933 in response to the Dust Bowl. Bennett was one of the first people to identify poor farming practices as the cause of the dust storms, and to formulate a plan for soil conservation.

Dust buried farms and equipment, killed livestock, and caused human death and misery during the height of the Dust Bowl years.

In: "Monthly Weather Review," June 1936, p.196. (NOAA Photo Library)

"Manhandled Land - fertile soil goes off by carload lots."

A common site during the Dust Bowl. The erosion in this picture was more an effect of poor farming practice than drought, though. In: "To Hold This Soil", Russell Lord, 1938. Miscellaneous Publication No. 321, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

(NOAA Photo Library)

What is Soil Texture?

Why Does Soil Texture Matter?

Determines soil pore

space Soil

TextureDetermines

soil drainage

Determines aeration

Influences nutrient holding capacity

(CEC)

Affects soil workability

HOW?

Soil Textural Triangle

Soil-less Media… Major Components

Peat Moss Perlite Vermiculite

Other Components Sand Bark Lime Wetting agents - hydrophilic polymer Fertilizer

  Peat Moss Perlite Vermiculite

How Is It Made?

- Partially decomposted remains of plants/animals (mostly sphagnum moss)

that accumulated in oxygen-poor freshwater

- Environmental concerns about habitat destruction

- Volcanic material expanded to 13x its

original volume when heated to 1700F (think

popcorn)

- Clay mineral exposed to intense heat,

causing the clay layers to expand into

accordion-shaped granules

- Hydrated Al-Fe-Mg silicates; very similar to

mica

What does it do?

- Provides organic matter for retention of nutrients

and water 

- Large surface area-Improves aeration &

drainage- Forms macropores

- Acts as soil insulator

- Particles provide space for water, air,

and nutrients- Improves aeration &

drainage

Water retention?

______________its weight _____________ its weight

_________________

From Where ?

Canada, Northern Europe (Scotland!)

Open pit mining in many countries

Mined in many countries

Sterile? ___________ yes yes

pH? Very acidic 6.5 – 7.5 6.5 – 7.2

         

Digging Peat in Scotland

PerlitePerlite Mine in New Mexico

VermiculiteMining Vermiculite in

South Africa

Soil-less Media: Typical Commercial Mix

Typical Commercial Mix 1/3 coarse peat moss 1/3 perlite 1/3 vermiculite 3 lbs complete fertilizer (5-10-5) 7 lbs dolomitic limestone Wetting agent

Soil-less Media:An Organic Alternative

An Organic Alternative 1/3 Peat Moss 1/3 Perlite 1/3 Vermiculite 5 lbs composted manure 1 lb bone meal 1 lb green sand 7 lbs dolomitic limestone

Soil-less Media:Mix Without Peat Moss

Replace peat moss 1:1, but reduce limestone

Coir or coconut husks in potting mixes

Composted, fine grade wood shavings

Or Try 1 part composted green waste: 1 part coir