Why are soils not all the same?

Transcription

1 Why are soils not all the same? 5 main factors: Climate Organisms Parent material Landscape Time 1

2 Visually Assessing Your Site Slope Shade Sun exposure Drainage Plant growth Construction debris Paint chips

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7 Digging into Your Site s History Research lot history Talk with neighbors Resources available from public libraries and city government Councilperson Observation

8 Why bother with historical information? Previous use of the site is an important factor in the possible contaminants present. Gain a sense of the surrounding area to further inform your decision about utilizing a specific site.

9 Site History and Property Research Tools A Checklist for Property Research in Cleveland & Cuyahoga County Cleveland Public Library, History and Geography Dept. CPL Map Collections Hopkins Plat Maps ( ) Sanborn Fire Maps ( ) Other aerial maps Info on changes to property over time, date buildings Some available online RESEARCH, Digital Image Gallery Realty Atlas Tax Maps

10 Site History and Property Research Tools Online GIS maps Can be used to determine permanent parcel numbers (PPN) and addresses Cleveland City Planning Commission Interactive Map Cleveland GIS and Land Status Map Id s City and County Landbank parcels Cuyahoga County GIS, MyCuyahoga Map

11 Google earth also has a historical imagery option

12 Why bother with historical information? What are the sources of many common contaminants? From EPA s BROWNFIELDS AND URBAN AGRICULTURE: Interim Guidelines for Safe Gardening Practices Spring 2011

13 Most Common Soil Contaminants Lead (Pb) Cadmium (Cd) Nickel (Ni) Chromium (Cr) Copper (Cu) Zinc (Zn) Arsenic (As) Mercury (Hg) pesticide residue levels PCBs hydrocarbons levels Are commonly tested for by University Labs Can be tested for by other labs

14 Exposure to soil contaminants 1. Soil Human Direct ingestion or inhalation of soil; skin contact From hands, dust, surface of fruits and vegetables 2. Soil Plant Human Ingestion of plants that have taken up contaminants Depends on type of plant, part of plant, type of contaminant, soil ph and organic matter content In general, plants do not absorb or accumulate lead very well* *Leafy vegetables and surfaces of root crops are more of a concern than fruiting parts

15 Sampling your Soil 1. Goal: send a sample that is representative of the area 2. Timing Stable climate No recent disturbances, such as immediately post-harvest or fertilization 3. Identify and isolate any unusual spots for separate tests Dead grass, bare spots, drastic differences in soil composition, topography, drainage, or type of crops grown 4. Combine multiple samples taken randomly throughout the growing area 5. Follow the soil testing lab s instructions to send

16 What to look for in your results: Soil ph Lead value Macro-nutrient ranges

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18 What is ph? A measure of acidity or alkalinity HIGH H+ Acidic LOW H+ Alkaline Most plants prefer a soil ph between

19 UMass Soil Testing Lab guidance Lead Level Extracted Lead *Estimated Total Lead mg/kg or ppm Low less than 22 less than 299 Medium 22 to to 999 High 127 to to 2000 Very High greater than 293 The screening test offered by the UMass Soil Testing Lab is only meant to identify areas where lead contamination may be a concern. Soils that are known to be contaminated with higher levels of lead, should be tested for Total Sorbed Lead (using EPA method 3050 or 3051) with appropriate actions taken.

20 EPA safe gardening practices Lead Level Low Medium High Very High Use existing soil Raised beds are advised, limit contact with existing soil Site is not recommended for gardening Growing in Urban Soils fact sheet: Interim Guidelines for Safe Gardening Practices:

21 SITE PREPARATION

22 To think about: Consider lead levels: are they above low? Debris in soil: are there large buried pieces of rock, metal, tree roots, or other materials? What do you want your garden to look like? Who will be gardening? What resources do you have available? Lumber and soil to fill raised beds? People to build and fill them? Access to machinery and someone to operate? Access to hand tools and people to do the work?

23 Gardens come in two main flavors 1. In-ground 2. Above ground, raised beds and containers Garden Construction

24 In ground gardens Traditional Plants grow directly in the ground Don t forget that soil test! Garden Construction

25 In ground gardens Pros Use of existing soil Economical Less start up work Less permanent Lower water requirements Cons Harder to keep neat Soil compaction Soil improvement (if needed) Things to think about: Breaking Ground

26 Tillage What is tillage? Digging, stirring, or overturning the soil using hand tools or machines Primary tillage is done with a plow: Breaks up soil; sometimes turns soil over Secondary tillage is done by tilling or cultivating: turn, break-up clods, and mix soil

27 Tiller maxresdefault.jpg

28 Tiller forums.techguy.org

29 Till Pros Easier for larger areas Can help initially break up soils and incorporate organic materials Cons If over done, can contribute to compaction by altering soil structure Stirs up weed seeds Disturbing for soil microbes

30 Modified Till Garden Bed Preparation-Tools Fork Spade Broadfork (U-Bar)

31 Mulch + Compost + Aerate + Don t Compact

32 Sheet Mulch or Lasagna beds Pros Reuse compostable/recyclable materials No digging Cons Requires collection of A LOT of material

33 Build raised beds What is a raised bed? An area where the soil you are gardening in is raised a few inches higher than the surrounding soil Usually, 3-4 feet wide

34 Raised bed size No more that 4 feet across Minimizes soil compaction Can be any length, shape OR OR

35 Raised beds Traditional wooden raised beds

36 Raised beds Woven raised beds Concrete block raised beds

37 Raised beds Container gardening Garden Construction

38 Not appropriate for container gardening.

39 Raised beds Pros Warm up faster Good drainage Creates order Easier to manage and access Less soil compaction Cons May need to water more frequently, dry out quicker Cost of materials Increased start up work More permeant

40 Scenario 1 Vacant lot with buried demolition debris Low lead level Gardeners are a group of neighbors

41 Scenario 2 Grassy lawn of a school Low lead level Gardeners are clients of near-by non-profit growing food for their food pantry

42 Healthy Soil Toolbox Prevent erosion from water and wind Mulches Irrigation Avoid compaction by not walking in or using heavy equipment in garden beds Avoid working soil when it is too wet Add organic matter Use soil test recommendations for fertilization

43 Mulch Mulching with organic matter: Reduces erosion from wind and water Reduces evaporation Reduces crusting Provides habitat Increases water infiltration rates Reduces soil borne diseases What else is mulch good for?

44 Avoid working the soil when it s too wet! Squeeze Test Helps determine if soil is ready to work 1) Use a spade or trowel and bring up a 6 deep slice of soil 2) Pick up a handful of soil and squeeze If soil remains in a tight ball, wait If soil crumbles, it s ready to work

45 Reduce compaction-make paths!

46 Add organic matter Reduces organic waste Returns organic material to the soil in a useable form Improves soil s water and nutrient holding capacity Improves plant s growth

47 From EPA s BROWNFIELDS AND URBAN AGRICULTURE: Interim Guidelines for Safe Gardening Practices Spring 2011

48 Composting Basics

49 Questions What is composting? Why compost? What are some types of composting? What is the advantage of composting versus turning raw materials into the soil? Microorganisms draw on soil nitrogen to assist in breaking down carbons Microorganisms may pull oxygen from soil which can suffocate roots

50 Objectives By the end of this class, you should: Understand some benefits of compost and how to use it Know what is essential for composting to happen Be able to start a composting system and troubleshoot issues

51 Benefits of Compost in Soil Very slowly releases micro and macro nutrients essential to plant life It inoculates soil with more microorganisms It improves soil structure Better drainage Better retention of nutrients Helps keep ph at optimum levels What role do microorganisms play in the soil and why are they important to plant health?

52 Soil is an ecosystem and a habitat Soil organisms play a key role in making nutrients available to plants Mineralize nutrients in organic matter into forms plants can use Improve soil structure as they move about Are naturally present: our job in composting is to provide an environment for these same organisms to thrive

53 Water Oxygen Nitrogen Carbon Essentials in Composting: 4 main components W-O-N-C You are creating a habitat for microbes, insects and worms!

54 The Process of Composting: How organic materials are made into compost By mixing types of organic materials, you are creating a habitat for micro and macro organisms: Decomposers=bacteria and fungi Consumers=protozoa and nematodes Shredders=arthropods, worms, and even mammals

55 Soil Organic Matter

56 What kind of composter are you? HOT Start with enough materials to fill bin Do not add to existing pile, start a new one instead Requires monitoring and turning to get maximum benefit Turn when temperature has risen to and has started to fall 3 days at 131 degrees is needed to kill pathogens NOP standards require 5 turns in 15 days, keeping temperatures between COLD Can start with any amount of material Add material as it becomes available Slower rate of decomposition May not heat up as much nor as uniformly Weed seeds and pathogens may survive process Includes piles, sheet and trench composting, and vermicomposting

57 Getting started Where to put it What to put in it What to put it in Tools that help Doneness

58 Locating the Compost Pile Check local regulations Set back from property lines Size or type of container Types of waste allowed On level ground Good Drainage Avoid direct sunlight Make it convenient

59 Compost Materials and C:N ratio BROWNS GREENS 30:1 The microbes that decompose the materials in the compost bin need carbon for energy and nitrogen for protein production. They use these elements in a ratio of 30 parts carbon to one part of nitrogen and that is why the 30:1 ratio exists!

60 Compost Materials and C:N ratio Wood chips 500:1 Newspaper 400:1 BROWNS Straw 80:1 Leaves 40-80:1 GREENS 30:1 Coffee grounds 20:1 Grass clippings 17:1 Vegetable waste 12:1 Chicken manure 6:1

61 Compost Materials and C:N ratio If the ratio is too HIGH, the rate of composting slows. Pile is very dry. BROWNS GREENS 30:1 If the ratio is too LOW, excess nitrogen turns into ammonia. Pile is very wet

62 Considerations for food scraps

63 Particle Size Faster Decomposition-Smaller pieces have more surface area and will decompose faster Aeration-Don t makes pieces too small or they will easily compact and restrict oxygen flow x Photo courtesy OSU Extension, Cuyahoga County Photo Source:

64 Whenever you add a food scrap layer, make sure you sprinkle it with soil and then cap off with a brown layer to prevent smells, flies, and animals.

65 Bulking Agents Low moisture, high porosity, low nitrogen Decay slowly on their own Examples: Wood chips Straw Twigs

66 Moisture Related to materials in the pile, turning and where the pile is located Keep as moist as a wrung out sponge Too wet=smelly (anaerobic bacteria take over!) Too dry=decomposition will be slow What are some reasons the pile may end up too wet or too dry?

67 The Pile Compost Systems Best for yard and garden wastes only To speed things up: Keep the size to approx. 3 x 3 ; make additional piles if needed Keep pile moist Turn occasionally What are some reasons you don t want the pile to get too large?

68 Single, wooden bin Compost Systems Keeps materials contained Always bury food waste beneath brown layer to prevent odors, flies, and animals Can make rodent proof, if needed: Add a screened lid and line bin with hardware cloth 2014 Ohio State University Extension. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher. What other types of materials can be used to make a single bin?

69 Compost Systems Multi-bin system Allows for larger volume of material Great for hot composting Always bury food waste beneath brown layer to prevent odors, flies, and animals Can make rodent proof, if needed: Add a screened lid and line bin with hardware cloth

70 Enclosed bins Compost Systems Good for small spaces, keeps animals out Smaller, but still usually retain heat well May make turning easier or more difficult

71 Food Scrap Composting Indoor alternative: Vermicomposting bin

72 Sheet or lasagna layering

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76 Management Remember: W-O-N-C! Check moisture level Add water if too dry Add more brown materials if too wet Turning can also help evaporate water Check rate of decomposition Balance your materials, if possible Keep pieces of material small, but not too small

77 Turning When to turn the compost pile? Once pile temperature has risen to between 131 and 150 and begins to decrease, turn. This will accelerate the process of decomposition by: mixing compost ingredients and moving particles to different areas of the pile. It also evaporates moisture in the pile. Even if your pile is not a hot one, turning every 2-4 weeks can help accelerate the process

78 Turning TRUE or FALSE: The main reason to turn a compost pile is to introduce oxygen. FALSE! While turning will introduce some oxygen, the composition and size of the pile are key to keeping oxygen moving through the pile. What does turning do? It: helps to remove carbon dioxide to prevent toxic conditions reduces particle size and homogenizes the pile ingredients accelerates the process of decomposition

79 Helpful Tools: for turning Manure or pitchfork Compost aerator

80 Helpful Tools: for sifting Compost screen or sifter

81 Helpful Tools: for measuring temp Compost thermometer

82 When will my compost be ready? It depends on Your method (hot or cold?) Size of the pile Materials in the pile Size of materials in the pile Management of the pile Season of the year On average, 2-6 months

83 Is it done yet? Finished compost Unfinished compost can: Be phytotoxic due to high salt, ammonia, or organic acid levels Reduce oxygen levels and suffocate roots as soil microbes metabolize Can decrease soil nitrogen levels as microbes utilize soil nitrogen to break down carbons Compost is mature once all of the complex organic compounds have broken down Biological activity significantly slows No recognizable ingredients (outside of bulking agents) Is brown, crumbly, and earthy smelling If turned, does not reheat

84 Using Compost In vegetable and fruit plantings In lawns As a mulch In potting mixes

85 Materials to rescue! /02/22/brewery-waste/

86 Managing compost in a community garden Signage

87 Managing compost in a community garden Education

88 Site history and soil contamination resources For more information: Typical Contaminants and Land Use ants.pdf Urban Agriculture and Soil Contamination es/pg25.pdf EPA Soil Screening Guidance ndex.htm

89 Choosing a Soil Testing Lab Ohioline Fact Sheet Guidelines for Choosing a Soil Analytical Laboratory HYG R10 Land Grant Universities Private labs Alternative Soil Testing Laboratories ATTRA Woods End:

90 Composting Resources University of Maine Cornell Composting Teaming with Microbes by Jeff Lowenfels and Wayne Lewis

91 Resources for Teaching Others How to Compost Cornell Master Composter Manual manual.pdf NYC Master Composter Manual loads/pdf/materials/nyc-master-compostermanual.pdf

92 Resources for Teaching Others How to Compost Cornell: Composting in Schools Composting in the Classroom: A Guide for Student Composting Research

93 Community Resources 93

94 Ohio Utilities Protection Services Call Before You Dig! By law, everyone MUST contact the Ohio Utilities Protection Service, or , at least 48 hours but no more than 10 working days (excluding weekends and legal holidays) before beginning ANY digging project. Some examples include: Landscaping Digging holes for fence posts or a mailbox Planting trees Removing tree roots Driving landscaping stakes into the ground- Remember, even if your digging project is small, it's always best to call! 94

95 Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District Educational programs on composting and recycling Compost bin container sales Resources about the environment and recycling for teachers and students 95

96 Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District Hands-on rain barrel workshops Rain garden and backyard stewardship programs and information Watershed groups Teacher workshops on environmental education curriculums 96