Soil

Soil is an integral part of the environment and vital to life on Earth. It is slow to develop and difficult to rebuild. Soil performs essential ecosystem functions, including flood prevention, water storage and nutrient cycling for plant growth. Soil is home to myriad creatures of wondrous proportions and inconceivable diversity.

Soil is an amazing three-dimensional body on the earth’s surface that develops in place over time. The most recent survey of Benton County describes 180 different soil map units that vary based on these soil formation factors: 1) the temperature, moisture, plants and organisms in the mineral soil environment, 2) relief or topography of the landscape, 3) the organic matter or mineral parent material from which the soil evolves, and 4) the length of soil development time.

You can read the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s description of your site’s soils. Browse the Benton County Soil Survey or visit the NRCS Web Soil Survey, an online, interactive soil information source. These excellent references highlight physical and chemical properties, and water and soil features that influence agricultural and engineering considerations for land use.

Monitoring your soil has important benefits. The better you understand your soil, the more likely you are to adopt practices that increase water-holding capacity and improve plant health. Furthermore, an understanding of your soil’s capability will help you lower production costs and reduce frustration. As you incorporate effective management practices, you will reduce environmental impacts with consequences far beyond the scope of your own property.

Soil Management

• Reduce soil disturbance.

  Tillage has long been used for weed control and seed bed preparation. Too much soil disturbance leads to compaction and destroys the soil structure. Good soil structure has pore space for water storage, reduces erosion, and does not inhibit root growth.

• Add organic matter through amendments or living roots.

  Organic matter feeds the soil biological community that in turn builds soil structure. Increase soil organic matter through the direct application of amendments such as compost, manure or mulches, and through the use of cover crops. Frequent use of manure can result in high levels of soil phosphorus and potassium which can contribute to poor water quality. Keep living roots in the soil year-round.

• Never leave the soil bare.

  The use of cover crops is a key soil-building practice. They protect the soil surface between cash crops or near perennials. Cover crops are planted to reduce erosion, attract pollinators, break up compacted soil, supply nutrients, smother weeds and discourage pests.

• Support belowground biodiversity.

  Growing a mixture of plant supports the diversity of life below the soil. Some organisms prefer green wastes while others use woody brown debris for energy and body building. Provide a variety of plant materials to restock the soil organisms’ nutrient needs.

• Use chemicals with caution.

  The overuse of fertilizers and pesticides can impact soil organisms. Understand the effects of chemicals before you apply them and follow the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Concept: Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time, and Right Place.

Compost/Soil Building

• Worm Bin FAQ

  Worm bin FAQs, worm bin construction information, and worm facts!

  View FAQs

• Compost Basics

  View Brochure