Progress 02/09/81 to 01/01/15
Outputs
Target Audience: The target audience for this project includes homeowners, farmers, professional landscapers, nurseries, greenhouse managers, golf course superintentents, andlawn services. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The following talks and seminars were given: 6/6/13 – Hosted students from the Bridgeport Horticultural Training Program and discussed soil testing and lawn care. 4/11/13 - Spoke on “Inner City Gardening in Raised Beds” to prospective gardeners at the United Way Headquarters in Shelton. 4/3/13 - Spoke on “Improving Soil in the Home Garden and Landscape” at Whitney Center in Hamden. 3/23/13 – Proctored the “Forestry” event at the Middle School Science Olympiad in Farmington. 1/15/13 - Spoke to a 2nd grade class at L.W. Beecher School in New Haven on “Soil.” 1/9/13 – Spoke to a class at the COOP High School in New Haven on “Soil Testing.” 1/7/13 – Spoke to a 2nd grade class at L.W. Beecher School in New Haven on “Soil.” How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Soil test resultsare disseminated via mailing to stakeholders that submitted the sample. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Over 10,000 soil tests provided scientificly based fertilizer suggestions that optimized plant growth while minimizing potential environmental pollution. Advicegiven via over 2000 phone conversations also contributed to these outcomes. Legislation passed in 2012 now requires a soil test showing a need for phosphorus prior to any application to an established lawn.
Publications
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Progress 01/01/13 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Target Audience: The target audience for this project includes homeowners, farmers, professional landscapers, nurseries, greenhouse managers, golf course superintentents, and lawn services. Changes/Problems: Greater emphasis will be given to providing soil reports electronically. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The followong talks and seminars were given: 6/6/13 – Hosted students from the Bridgeport Horticultural Training Program and discussed soil testing and lawn care. 4/11/13 - Spoke on "Inner City Gardening in Raised Beds" to prospective gardeners at the United Way Headquarters in Shelton. 4/3/13 - Spoke on "Improving Soil in the Home Garden and Landscape" at Whitney Center in Hamden. 3/23/13 – Proctored the "Forestry" event at the Middle School Science Olympiad in Farmington. 1/15/13 - Spoke to a 2nd grade class at L.W. Beecher School in New Haven on "Soil." 1/9/13 – Spoke to a class at the COOP High School in New Haven on "Soil Testing." 1/7/13 – Spoke to a 2nd grade class at L.W. Beecher School in New Haven on "Soil. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Soil tests are disseminated via mailing of results to stakeholders that submitted the sample. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Soils samples submitted by the public will be tested and mailed promptly. Talks and seminars will be performed as requested
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Over 10,000 soil tests provided scientificly based fertilizer suggestions that optimized plant growth while minimizing potential environmental pollution. Advice given via over 2000 phone conversations also contributed to these outcomes. Legislation passed in 2012 now requires a soil test showing a need for phosphorus prior to any application to an established lawn.
Publications
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Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: At our facilities in New Haven and Windsor, 10777 soil samples were tested for pH, texture, organic matter, NO3-N, NH4-N, P, K, Ca, and Mg using the Morgan Soil Testing System. Over 2000 phone calls were answered regarding the soil tests and related plant/soil issues. We made substantial changes to our software that determines the suggestions for soil ammendments to include organic fertilizer for lawns and organic matter (compost, manure etc.) additions to gardens. PARTICIPANTS: Gregory J. Bugbee, (New Haven, CT) was the main investigator. Other CAES participants were Diane Riddle, lead laboratory technician (Windsor, CT), Michael Cavadini, summer assistant (New Haven, CT), Jennifer Fanzutti, summer assistant (New Haven, CT), Tom Fabian, volunteer (Windsor, CT) and Lisa Kaczenski, Data entry (New Haven, CT). TARGET AUDIENCES: Homeowners, gardeners, farmers, nursery industry, golf course superintendents, others involved in plant production. PROJECT PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Over 10,000 soil tests provided scientificly based fertilizer suggestions that optimized plant growth while minimizing potential environmental pollution. Advice given via over 2000 phone conversations also contributed to these outcomes.Legislation passed in 2012 now requires and soil test showing a need for phosphorus prior to any application to an established lawn.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: At our facilities in New Haven and Windsor, 10418 soil samples were tested for pH, texture, organic matter, NO3-N, NH4-N, P, K, Ca, and Mg using the Morgan Soil Testing System. Over 3000 phone calls were answered regarding the soil tests and related plant/soil issues. We made substantial changes to our software that determines the suggestions for soil ammendments to include organic fertilizer for lawns and organic matter (compost, manure etc.) additions to gardens. PARTICIPANTS: Gregory J. Bugbee, (New Haven, CT) was the main investigator. Other CAES participants were Diane Riddle, lead laboratory technician (Windsor, CT), Michael Cavadini, summer assistant (New Haven, CT), Ali Grubman, summer assistant (New Haven, CT), Rob Domin, summer assistant (Windsor, CT) and Lisa Kaczenski, Data entry (New Haven, CT). TARGET AUDIENCES: Homeowners, gardeners, farmers, nursery industry, golf course superintendents, others involved in plant production. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Over 10,000 soil tests provided scientificly based fertilizer suggestions that optimized plant growth while minimizing potential environmental pollution. Advice given via over 3000 phone conversations also contributed to these outcomes.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: At our facilities in New Haven and Windsor, 11,599 soil samples were tested for pH, texture, organic matter, NO3-N, NH4-N, P, K, Ca, and Mg using the Morgan Soil Testing System. Over 3000 phone calls were answered regarding the soil tests and related plant/soil issues. PARTICIPANTS: Gregory J. Bugbee, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (New Haven, CT) was the main investigator. Other CAES participants were Diane Riddle, Lead laboratory technician (Windsor, CT), Michael Cavadini, Summer assistant (New Haven, CT) and Lisa Kaczenski, Data entry (New Haven, CT). TARGET AUDIENCES: Homeowners, gardeners, farmers, nursery industry, golf course superintendents, others involved in plant production. Efforts: Our soil reports reach thousands of individuals who use the fertilizer and other soil ammendment suggestions to improve plant growth without adding excess nutrients into the environment. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
A partnership was formed with a group called the Candlewood Lake Watershed Initiative, to develop fertilizer suggestions specific to protecting Connecticut's largest lake. Nearly 300 soil samples were tested as part of this program.
Publications
- McAlister, J. 2010. Soil Testing Day a Big Success. Candlewood Lake Newsletter, Spring. p. 3
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Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: At our facilities in New Haven and Windsor, 11,699 soil samples were tested for pH, texture, organic matter, NO3-N, NH4-N, P, K, Ca, and Mg using the Morgan Soil Testing System. Over 3000 phone calls were answered regarding the soil tests and related plnat/soil issues. A partnership was formed with a group called the Candlewood Lake Watershed Initiative, to develop fertilizer suggestions specific to protecting Connecticut's largest lake. Nearly 300 soil samples were tested as part of this program. PARTICIPANTS: Gregory J. Bugbee, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (New Haven, CT) and Thomas M. Rathier, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (Windsor, CT) were the main investigators. Other CAES participants were John S. Winiarski, Lead laboratory technician (Windsor, CT), Michael Cavadini, Summer assistant (New Haven, CT) and Lisa Kaczenski, Data entry (New Haven, CT). TARGET AUDIENCES: Homeowners, gardeners, farmers, nursery industry, golf course superintendents, others involved in plant production. Efforts: Our soil reports reach thousands of individuals who use the fertilizer and other soil ammendment suggestions to improve plant growth without adding excess nutrients into the environment. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
These soil tests resulted in the application of fertilizers and other soil amendments in a manner based on scientific information rather than guesswork. The reduction of fertilizer movement to groundwater, lakes, and streams is achieved
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: At our facilities in New Haven and Windsor, 10,075 soil samples were tested for pH, texture, organic matter, NO3-N, NH4-N, P, K, Ca, and Mg using the Morgan Soil Testing System. Over 3000 phone calls were answered regarding the soil tests and related plnat/soil issues. A partnership was formed with a group called the Candlewood Lake Watershed Initiative, to develop fertilizer suggestions specific to protecting Connecticut's largest lake. Nearly 300 soil samples were tested as part of this program. PARTICIPANTS: Gregory J. Bugbee, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (New Haven, CT) and Thomas M. Rathier, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (Windsor, CT) were the main investigators. Other CAES participants were John S. Winiarski, Lead laboratory technician (Windsor, CT), Michael Cavadini, Summer assistant (New Haven, CT) and Lisa Kaczenski, Data entry (New Haven, CT). There is informal collaboration with The University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT soil testing laboratory. TARGET AUDIENCES: Homeowners, gardeners, farmers, nursery industry, golf course superintendents, others involved in plant production. Efforts: Our soil reports reach thousands of individuals who use the fertilizer and other soil ammendment suggestions to improve plant growth without adding excess nutrients into the environment. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
These soil tests resulted in the application of fertilizers and other soil amendments in a manner based on scientific information rather than guesswork. The reduction of fertilizer movement to groundwater, lakes, and streams is achieved.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: At our facilities in New Haven and Windsor, 9875 soil samples were tested for pH, texture, organic matter, NO3-N, NH4-N, P, K, Ca, and Mg using the Morgan Soil Testing System. These soil tests resulted in the application of fertilizers and other soil amendments in a manner based on scientific information rather than guesswork.
PARTICIPANTS: Gregory J. Bugbee, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (New Haven, CT) and Thomas M. Rathier, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (Windsor, CT) were the principal investigators. Other CAES participants were John S. Winiarski, Lead laboratory technician (Windsor, CT), David Bridgewater, Summer assistant (New Haven, CT)and Lisa Kazinski, Data entry (New Haven, CT). There is informal collaboration with The University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT soil testing laboratory. Training: Sunmmer assistants are trained in basic laboratory practices and soil chemistry. Students and classes from grammer school to college have been shown the soil testing procedures and used the data for science projects and classroom activities.
TARGET AUDIENCES: Target Audiences: Homeowners,gardeners,farmers,nursery industry, golf course superintendents, others involved in plant production. Efforts: Our soil reports reach thousands of individuals who use the fertilizer and other soil ammendment suggestions to improve plant growth without adding excess nutrients into the environment.
Impacts
The wise application of fertilizers and other soil amendments, as offered by the use of these soil tests, leads to improved plant growth and protection of the environment.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
At our facilities in New Haven and Windsor, 9952 soil samples were tested for pH, texture, organic matter, NO3-N, NH4-N, P, K, Ca, and Mg using the Morgan Soil Testing System. These soil tests resulted in the application of fertilizers and other soil amendments in a manner based on scientific information rather than guesswork.
Impacts
The wise application of fertilizers and other soil amendments, as offered by the use of these soil tests, leads to improved plant growth and protection of the environment.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
At our facilities in New Haven and Windsor, 9361 soil samples were tested for pH, texture, organic matter, NO3-N, NH4-N, P, K, Ca, and Mg using the Morgan Soil Testing System. These soil tests resulted in the application of fertilizers and other soil amendments in a manner based on scientific information rather than guesswork.
Impacts
The wise application of fertilizers and other soil amendments, as offered by the use of these soil tests, leads to improved plant growth and protection of the environment.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
At our facilities in New Haven and Windsor, 9492 soil samples were tested for pH, texture, organic matter, NO3-N, NH4-N, P, K, Ca, and Mg using the Morgan Soil Testing System. These soil tests resulted in the application of fertilizers and other soil amendments in a manner based on scientific information rather than guesswork.
Impacts
The wise application of fertilizers and other soil amendments, as offered by the use of these soil tests, leads to improved plant growth and protection of the environment.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
At our facilities in New Haven and Windsor, 9914 soil samples were tested for pH, texture, organic matter, NO3-N, NH4-N, P, K, Ca, and Mg using the Morgan Soil Testing System. These soil tests resulted in the application of fertilizers and other soil amendments in a manner based on scientific information rather than guesswork.
Impacts
The wise application of fertilizers and other soil amendments, as offered by the use of these soil tests, leads to improved plant growth and protection of the environment.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
At our facilities in New Haven and Windsor, 11500 soil samples were tested for pH, texture, organic matter, NO3-N, NH4-N, P, K, Ca, and Mg using the Morgan Soil Testing System. The lack of methods for disposal of mushroom substrate threatens Connecticut's large mushroom industry. Tests were conducted on the use of composted mushroom substrate for growing chrysanthemums. Four varieties of chrysanthemums(mums) were grown in media containing 0, 25, 50 and 100 (%/vol) mushroom compost. Compared to media with a bark, peat and perlite with no compost, media with compost grew healthy looking but slightly smaller plants. This reduction would not likely affect plant marketability and the savings in the cost of media afforded by using of mushroom compost would likely be a net benefit to growers.
Impacts
This reseach resulted in fertilizer and other soil amendments being used in a manner that promotes optimal plant growth while reducing over applications and protecting the environment. Growers of nursery crops can utilize composted mushroom substarte in their plant growth media.
Publications
- Bugbee, GJ. 2002. Growth of Ornamental Plants in Container Media amended with biosolids compost. Compost Science & Utilization. Vol 10, No. 2, 92-98.
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Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
At our facilities in New Haven and Windsor, 10019 soil samples were tested for pH, texture, organic matter, NO3-N, NH4-N, P, K, Ca, and Mg using the Morgan Soil Testing System. The lack of methods for disposal of mushroom substrate threatens Connecticut's large mushroom industry. Tests were conducted on the use of composted mushroom substrate for growing chrysanthemums. Four varieties of chrysanthemums(mums) were grown in media containing 0, 25, 50 and 100 (%/vol) mushroom compost. Compared to media with a bark, peat and perlite with no compost, media with compost grew healthy looking but slightly smaller plants. This reduction would not likely affect plant marketability and the savings in the cost of media afforded by using of mushroom compost would likely be a net benefit to growers.
Impacts
This reseach resulted in fertilizer and other soil amendments being used in a manner that promotes optimal plant growth while reducing over applications and protecting the environment. Growers of nursery crops can utilize composted mushroom substarte in their plant growth media.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00
Outputs
At our facilities in New Haven and Windsor, 11727 soil samples were tested for pH, texture, organic matter, NO3-N, NH4-N, P, K, Ca, and Mg using the Morgan Soil Testing System. An experiment was conducted at Silver Sands State Park in Milford, CT to determine if trees and shrubs could be grown in a landfill capped with fly ash from a coal fired electric generating plant. In the fall of 1998 Acer rubrum, Tillia cordata, Quercus rubra, Juniperus virginiana and Pinus rigida were planted in the ash with no compost, biosolids compost or leaf compost. Plant growth evaluations in June 2000 found all plants to be doing well and little differences do to compost.
Impacts
This reseach resulted in fertilizer and other soil amendments being used in a manner that promotes optimal plant growth while reducing over applications and protecting the environment.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99
Outputs
At our facilities in New Haven and Windsor, 11665 soil samples were tested for pH, texture, organic matter, NO3-N, NH4-N, P, K, Ca, and Mg using the Morgan Soil Testing System. The effects of removing lake sediments on water quality was examined. An experiment was initiated at Silver Sands State Park in Milford, CT to determine if trees and shrubs could be grown in a landfill capped with fly ash from a coal fired electric generating plant. In the fall of 1998 Acer rubrum, Tillia cordata, Quercus rubra, Juniperus virginiana and Pinus rigida were planted in the ash with no compost, biosolids compost or leaf compost. Plant growth evaluations in June 1999 found all plants to be doing well and little differences do to compost.
Impacts
This work has faciltated thousands of citizens access to soil fertility information that improves crop growth and reduces environmental pollution by minimizing overuse of fertilizers.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/98 to 12/31/98
Outputs
At our facilities in New Haven and Windsor, 10661 soil samples were tested for pH, texture, organic matter, NO3-N, NH4-N, P, K, Ca, and Mg using the Morgan Soil Testing System. The effects of removing lake sediments on water quality was examined. The water quality in recently excavated Malley's Pond, Guilford, was compared to nearby unexcavated Clear Lake. Water samples were obtained every two weeks from April through October. Phosphorus levels were significantly reduced and water clarity was greatly improved in Malley's Pond. This experiment suggests that sediments contribute significant nutrients to lake water.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/97 to 12/31/97
Outputs
At our facilities in New Haven and Windsor, 10929 soil samples were tested for pH, texture, organic matter, NO3-N, NH4-N, P, K, Ca, and Mg using the Morgan Soil Testing System. The effects of removing lake sediments on water quality was also examined. The water quality in recently excavated Malley's Pond, Guilford, was compared to nearby unexcavated Clear Lake. Water samples were obtained every two weeks from April through October. Phosphorus levels were significantly reduced and water clarity was greatly improved in Malley's Pond. This experiment suggests that sediments contribute significant nutrients to lake water.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Duggan JX, Bugbee GJ, Brennan BE. 1997. Volunteer Water Monitoring in lakes: A Case Study. American Environmental Laboratory. 9(3): 1-9.
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Progress 01/01/96 to 12/30/96
Outputs
At our facilities in New Haven and Windsor, soil samples were tested for pH, texture, organic matter, NO3-N, NH4-N, P, K, Ca, and Mg using the Morgan Soil Testing System. Limestone and fertilizer were suggested to optimize plant growth and reduce the potential for nutrients to harm the environment. To improve limestone suggestions, a trial continued to determine how effective granulated, pelletized and pulverized limestone were at reducing soil acidity in lawns. Each type of limestone was applied t 50 and 100 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft. in November 1992. Soil samples were obtained from the 0.5 - 3" and 3 - 6" depth. The starting soil pH was around 5.5 at both depths. In November 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996, samples were retaken. Results revealed 50 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft. of granulated, pelletized and pulverized limestone raised the soil pH about 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 pH units at the 0.5 - 3" depth respectively. One hundred pounds of limestone raised the surface soil pH about 0.2,
0.5 and 0.7 pH units respectively. The pH of the soil at the 3 - 6" depth in all treatments changed little.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/95 to 12/30/95
Outputs
At our facilities in New Haven and Windsor, 12,833 soil samples were tested for pH, texture, organic matter, NO3-N, NH4-N, P, K, Ca, and Mg using the Morgan Soil Testing System. Limestone and fertilizer were suggested to optimize plant growth and reduce the potential for nutrients to harm the environment. To improve limestone suggestions, a trial continued to determine how effective granulated, pelletized and pulverized limestone were at reducing soil acidity in lawns. Each type of limestone was applied at 50 and 100 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft. in November 1992. Soil samples were obtained from the 0.5 -3" and 3 - 6" depth. The starting soil pH was around 5.5 at both depths. In November 1993 and 1994, samples were retaken. Results revealed 50 lbs.per 1000 sq. ft. of granulated, pelletized and pulverized limestone raised the soil pH about 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 pH units at the 0.5 - 3" depth respectively.One hundred pounds of limestone raised the surface soil pH about 0.2, 0.5 and
0.7 pH units respectively. The pH of the soil at the 3 - 6" depth in all treatments changed little.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/94 to 12/30/94
Outputs
At our facilities in New Haven and Windsor, 11,000 soil samples were tested for pH, texture, organic matter, NO3-N, NH4-N, P, K, Ca, and Mg using the Morgan Soil Testing System. Limestone and fertilizer were suggested to optimize plant growth and reduce the potential for nutrients to harm the environment. To improve limestone suggestions, a trial continued to determine how effective granulated, pelletized and pulverized limestone were at reducing soil acidity in lawns. Each type of limestone was applied at 50 and 100 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft. in November 1992. Soil samples were obtained from the 0.5 - 3" and 3 - 6" depth. The starting soil pH was around 5.5 at both depths. In November 1993 and 1994, samples were retaken. Results revealed 50 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft. of granulated, pelletized and pulverized limestone raised the soil pH about 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 pH units at the 0.5 - 3" depth respectively. One hundred pounds of limestone raised the surface soil pH about 0.2, 0.5
and 0.7 pH units respectively. The pH of the soil at the 3 - 6" depth in all treatments changed little.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/93 to 12/30/93
Outputs
Over 8500 soil samples from Connecticut were tested for pH, texture, organic matter, NO3-N, NH4-N, P, K, Ca, and Mg using the Morgan Soil Testing System. Limestone and fertilizer were suggested to optimize plant growth and reduce the potential for nutrients to harm the environment. To improve limestone suggestions, a trial begun to determine how effective granulated, pelletized and pulverized limestone were at reducing soil acidity in lawns. Each type of limestone was applied at 50 and 100 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft. in November 1992, after soil samples had been obtained from the 0.5 - 3" and 3 - 6" depth. The starting soil pH was around 5.5 at both depths. In November 1993, samples were retaken. Results revealed 50 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft. of granulated, pelletized and pulverized limestone raised the soil pH about 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 pH units at the 0.5 - 3" depth respectively. One hundred pounds of limestone raised the surface soil pH about 0.2, 0.5 and 0.7 pH units
respectively. The pH of the soil at the 3 - 6" depth in all treatments changed little.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/92 to 12/30/92
Outputs
Over 7500 soil samples from sites including farms, lawns, gardens, nurseries andgreenhouses were tested for pH, texture, organic matter, NO(subscript 3)-N, NH(subscript 4)-N, P, K, Ca, and Mg using the Morgan Soil Testing System. Software for an IBM compatible PC was developed to process the information. Fertilizer and limestone needs are calculated using the software and soil test reports are generated automatically. All soil test data is stored on disk and trends in the fertility of Connecticut soils can now be monitored. The programming language was QBASIC and the software is now ready for use by our affiliated soil testing laboratory in Windsor, CT.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/91 to 12/30/91
Outputs
Nutrient export coefficients for Long Island Sound were estimated by relating measured concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus in 70 Connecticut lakes to land use in their watersheds. These estimates were then compared with those obtained from an extensive review of the literature. The results suggest that most current models with a sediment transport component tend to overestimate N and P exports from agricultural land and underestimate exports of N and P from wooded and urban land. These differences are likely attributable to greater transport of nutrients in the soluble phase than predicted by such models. Moreover, efforts to reduce erosion may not be effective in preventing losses of nutrients, particularly N, where increased infiltration may actually increase N exports. In conclusion, it appears that more emphasis should be placed on management strategies to reduce leaching losses of N, with less emphasis on structural practices to reduce erosion.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/90 to 12/30/90
Outputs
Soil samples were collected throughout the growing season from 20 fields on six shade tobacco farms and 11 fields on four broadleaf tobacco farms and analyzed for nitrate nitrogen. The results will be used to assist in developing BMP's for tobacco growers in aquifer protection areas in Connecticut.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/89 to 12/30/89
Outputs
Silage corn is usually grown on the same land year after year and in most cases more P fertilizer is applied than is removed by the crop. Not only is overapplication of P costly and a potential threat to water quality, but it may also induce deficiencies of Zn. Corn silage was grown 1985 to 1989 at O P + O Zn (kg/ha), O P + 15 Zn, 66 P + O Zn and 66 P + 15 Zn. All plots received 120 kg/ha N and 100 kg/ha K. In 1985, significant yield increases could be attributed to applications of P and Zn, but during 1986-1989 yields were similar among all treatments. Soil and plant analyses revealed no differences in P among treatments, while treatment with Zn increased Zn concentrations in soil and plant tissue. These results indicate that applications of P to corn grown in Connecticut could be reduced significantly with little or no loss in yield.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/88 to 12/30/88
Outputs
Studies of nitrogen fertilization of corn silage in the Northeast have shown that a soil test for nitrate nitrogen about 30 days after planting provides a good estimate of the nitrogen that will become available for crop uptake during the growing season. Studies with shade tobacco during 1987 showed a reasonably good correlation between soil nitrate 21 and 28 days after fertilizing and leaf yields at day 52 and 60. Conventionally fertilized plots receiving 224 kg N per ha had 72 ppm nitrate nitrogen 28 days after fertilization. Plots receiving metered applications of N during the growing season for a total of 140 kg N per ha had 36 ppm nitrate nitrogen at the same sampling date. Yields for the two treatments did not differ significantly, indicating that the extra nitrogen in the conventional plots was not utilized by the plants and posed a potential for nitrate leaching to ground water.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/87 to 12/30/87
Outputs
Eleven species of potted foliage plants, eight species of potted flowering plants and four species of vegetable seedlings were tested for their response to irrigation with chlorinated water containing 0, 2, 8, 18, 37 or 77 mgliter residual chlorine. Growth and appearance were determined after 12 weeks for potted plants and after 6 weeks for seedlings. When compared with the control, growth of geranium and begonia declined at 2 mgliter, pepper and tomato at 8 mgliter, kalanchoe, lettuce and tradescantia at 18 mgliter, marigold and petunia at 37 mgliter, and swedish ivy, impatiens, madagascar palm and English ivy at 77 mgliter. The appearance of the plants followed a similar pattern. Germination of vegetable seeds was not affected by any of the chlorine treatments. Thus, current water chlorination practices with residual chlorine concentrations of less than 1 mgliter should not adversely affect either the growth or appearance of most potted plants and vegetable
seedlings grown in soilless media. In New Haven, the soil testing laboratory analyzed 3688 samples, and 6180 samples were analyzed at the Valley Laboratory in Windsor.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/86 to 12/30/86
Outputs
Greenhouse growers in Connecticut increasingly rely on expensive imported potting media. Hence, we compared 50 different mixtures prepared from locally available composted mushroom waste, native peat, sand, and styrofoam beads with the most popular import containing Canadian sphagnum peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. Media were analyzed for fertility, physical properties such as aeration and moisture holding capacity, and their ability to grow begonias in 4-1/2" standard pots for 12 weeks. Plants were irrigated and fertilized according to a regime typical of commercial growers. Begonia growth in the local alternatives ranged from 80% of the import in a mix of 20-57%/v native peat and 33-80%/v styrofoam, to 18% in mixes high in mushroom waste. Growth was affected little by various sand contents. Results of the chemical and physical tests indicated a correlation between the decline in growth and the low aeration and high ammonia-N and salt content of mushroom
waste. The imported medium possessed high aeration and moisture holding capacity, while alternatives of similar aeration held from 40-60% less moisture. Further work to improve moisture holding capacity while retaining optimal levels of aeration and nutrients may provide local media which can equal imports. In Ne w Haven, the soil testing laboratory analyzed 4068 samples, and at the Valley Laboratory in Windsor 6597 samples were analyzed.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/84 to 12/30/84
Outputs
Providing optimum aeration for plants grown in small pots is a primary concern in the development of potting media. A recent survey of potting soils sold at retail revealed variation amongst the mixes. In limited growth studies with these mixes, effects of aeration were masked by large differences in nutrient status. Hence, we undertook the present study to determine how potted plants respond to aeration when adequate nutrients are supplied. We used a 1:1 peat-vermiculite mix and prepared media with seven levels of aeration by adjusting the particle sizes of the two constituents. Four different potted plants were grown in these mixes with aeration ranging from 1 to 31%. While the plants varied in their sensitivity to aeration, the results indicate that optimum plant growth will most likely be obtained in media with aeration between 10 and 25%. In New Haven, the soil testing laboratory analyzed 3,780 samples, and at the Valley Laboratory in Windsor, 5,938 samples
were analyzed.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/83 to 12/30/83
Outputs
A survey of 51 potting soils sold in Ct. showed that their quality was highly variable. They ranged from heavy muck-like soils low in aeration and available water, to mixes with sphagnum peat or other bulky materials that were well aerated and high in available water. Lettuce germinated best in mixes with high moisture holding capacity and also grew best in these mixes provided adequate nitrogen was present. In New Haven, the soil testing laboratory analyzed 4,176 samples, and at the Valley Laboratory in Windsor, 5,705 samples were analyzed.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/82 to 12/30/82
Outputs
A substantial increase in the value of forest products has produced an increase in harvest cuttings throughout Connecticut. The 200 or more logging operations at any given time are often done without regard to stabilization of eroded skid roads and landings at operation's end. Several species of grasses are being grown in fertilized and unfertilized plots in the field to evaluate their effectiveness in stabilizing the soil under site conditions varying in soil type, compaction, organic matter content, slope and light intensity. Measurements are being made of germination and survival of planted species and ingrowth of volunteer species over two years. In New Haven, the soil testing laboratory analyzed 4176 samples, and at the Valley Laboratory in Windsor, 5705 samples were analyzed.
Impacts
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Progress 01/01/81 to 12/30/81
Outputs
New interpretations of soil information have been proposed by several towns for zoning regulations that alter the size of building lots according to soil limitations. Limits imposed by soil properties would cause lot size variation by no more than one-quarter to one-half acres. It is apparent, however, that such efforts by several town agencies exceed the practical limits imposed by soil properties. Therefore, towns espousing soil based zoning whose classes of lot size vary by more than 1/2 acre are misusing soil survey information. In the soil testing laboratory in New Haven, 4680 soil samples were analyzed during one year. At the Valley laboratory in Windsor 6181 samples were analyzed.
Impacts
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