Soil Management Principles

Soil Management Principles

• Good management is critical for successful crop and livestock production, and good soil management is a key component.
• Soil provides a medium for crop growth, grassland, and good quality winter fodder.
• Good soil management can reduce the threat of disease and contain deficiency diseases.

Soil Health and Fertility

• 17 essential elements are crucial for plant growth and life cycle.
• 3 key elements are Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), and Oxygen (O).
• Remaining 14 elements are classified as Macro and Micronutrients.

Macronutrients

• Nitrogen (N) is needed for:
  • Photosynthesis (Chlorophyll)
  • Protein Production (Amino Acids)
  • Growth (DNA)
  • Reproduction in Plants
• Sufficient Nitrogen:
  • Rapid plant growth
  • High protein content in seeds
  • Dark green vegetation
• Nitrogen Deficiency:
  • Slow Growth - small plants
  • Pale green/ yellow due to lack of chlorophyll
  • Necrosis (death) in older leaves
• Phosphorus (P) is needed for:
  • Growth and Reproduction
  • Production of new cells
  • Seed formation and development
  • Transfer DNA to new cells
  • Soluble in water
• Sufficient Phosphorus:
  • Vigorous growth
  • Early Maturing
  • Increased Resistance to Plant disease
• Phosphorus Deficiency:
  • Stunted growth
  • Lack of fruit or flowers
  • Wilting
• Reducing P leaching:
  • Create buffer or riparian zones around water sources
  • Correct application rates to prevent excess P in soil
  • Cover crops to absorb excess P and prevent run off
  • Apply P at correct time

Potassium (P) is needed for:

• Protein synthesis
• Translocation of carbohydrates
• Activation of plants enzymes
• Promotion of disease resistance
• Regulation of plant stomata and water use
• Sufficient Potassium:
  • Increased crop yields
  • Increased root growth
• Potassium Deficiency:
  • Reduced Crop yield
  • Chlorosis of leaves
  • Slow growth

Lodging

• Lodging: the tendency of cereal crops to bend over, making it difficult to harvest and reduce yield.
• Macronutrient:
  • Calcium: needed in cell wall formation
  • Magnesium: part of the chlorophyll molecule
  • Sulfur: contained in amino acids for protein

Micronutrients

• Iron: synthesis of chlorophyll
• Zinc: crop resistance against drought
• Manganese: synthesis of chlorophyll
• Copper: transport systems in photosynthesis
• Boron: forming and strengthening cell wall
• Molybdenum: catalyzes key steps of nitrogen, carbon, and sulfur metabolisms

Nutrient Availability in Soil

• Most nutrients are available between pH 6 and 7
• Soil testing allows farmers to determine nutrients available in their land and determine suitability for crop growth.

Fertilizers and Manures

• Fertilizers: inorganic, manufactured materials that contain one or more essential elements
• Manure: organic material that consists of plant and animal wastes
• Examples of fertilizers:
  • Urea: N (46%)
  • CAN (Calcium Ammonium Nitrate): N (27.5%)
  • Sulfate of ammonia: N (21%)
  • Ground rock phosphate: P (12%)
  • Superphosphate: P (7%)
  • Triple superphosphate: P (16%)
  • Muriate of potash: K (50%)
  • Sulfate of potash: K (42%)

Fertiliser Application

• May be applied by:
  • Placing in the soil
  • Broadcasting
  • Top dressing

Farm Yard Manure (FYM)

• FYM consists of animal dung, animal urine, and straw from winter bedding
• As it decomposes, it releases nutrients
• Contributes to organic matter in soil

Slurry

• Slurry is liquid manure that contains animal dung and urine
• Collected in tanks in slatted houses
• Contains less organic matter than manure due to no straw
• Absorbs quickly as it's liquid
• Faster growth
• Can contribute to weed dispersal

Hazards and Risks

• CAN: oxidizing, can cause combustion of other materials
• UREA: volatilization of fertiliser, toxic chemicals
• Wear goggles, gloves, and overalls to protect skin and respiratory system
• Handle bags carefully to avoid damage
• Store same type of fertilisers together

Soil Drainage

• Soil drainage can be affected by several factors:
  • Soil type
  • Percolation
  • Precipitation
  • Groundwater
• Types of drainage:
  • Ground Water
  • Shallow Water
• Benefits of soil drainage:
  • Less poaching of land by livestock
  • Extended grazing season
  • Increased crop yields
  • Greater window of opportunity available for tillage operations

Conservation

• Protection and wise management of earth's resources so they can be used for future generations
• Good management practices for sustainable land use
• Examples:
  • Spreading Fertiliser and Nitrates regulations
  • Crop rotation
  • Soil testing
  • Minimum tillage or no-till
  • Drainage of land
  • Encourage biodiversity
  • Nutrient management programmes
  • Irrigation of land
  • Protection of beneficial organisms – earthworm

Soil management is a critical component of successful arable and livestock farming. It provides a medium for crop growth, grassland, and good quality winter fodder, and helps contain deficiency diseases and reduce the threat of disease in soils.