Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The Cornell Soil Health Test has gained increased interest among growers as a tool for holistic soil management. The measurement protocol and assessment strategy is now standardized. The standard Cornell Soil Health Test consists of assessing 15 soil indicators (13 measured in the laboratory and 2 in the field). Soil texture (fraction of sand silt and clay) was added as a part of the Cornell Soil Health Test, because the interpretations of the reports are highly dependent on soil texture and a quantitative estimate of soil texture will facilitate accurate interpretations of selected soil indicators. Our database is becoming more robust and better representative of the NE soil conditions. Soil Health samples were collected from the pipeline construction area. Sampling sites were chosen to capture typical characteristics of each soil mapping unit encountered - Agricultural, Wetland, and Fallow. Composite soil samples were collected from locations directly on the ROW and just off the ROW in the adjacent undisturbed land area. Each location therefore has paired samples from within the disturbed area and an associated "benchmark" sample of native soil conditions collected from directly outside the construction area. The test results allowed for an integrated assessment of the functional capacity of the soil at each location and targeted evaluation of past and future restoration practices. The diverse range of tested soil types and applied practices also allows for an evaluation of the effectiveness of each soil type/ remediation combination. The ROW construction and restoration treatments somewhat loosened the naturally dense surface and subsoil and did not impair soil biological activities (as evidenced by surface and subsurface hardness levels). The Agricultural lands consistently showed minimal soil change from the pipeline installation activities. Soil hardness measured in the surface and subsurface soil revealed little compaction beyond the native, background characteristics of the soil just outside the ROW. Soil structure as determined by the aggregate stability test was minimally affected as well. Soil biological activity from the stockpiling effort had only a small effect. In contrast to the others, the Fallow land use type showed marked negative effects of the pipeline construction efforts. Increased soil compaction (hardness) at the surface and subsurface was accompanied by loss of soil structure as indicated by the decreased aggregate stability. Multiple soil biological parameters were seen to decrease when comparing the ROW samples with their corresponding samples collected outside the construction zone. The limited post-construction remedial activities in the Fallow zones did not alleviate negative effects on soil function in these areas. The measured reduction in soil quality, mostly the result of less stringent construction requirements, suggests that the Fallow land use areas would benefit from further reclamation efforts. PARTICIPANTS: This project involved a multidisciplinary collaboration between soil scientists, horticulturalists, plant pathologists and field crop scientists, and also farmers. Participants were academicians, extension field staff, growers, and many other professionals. Many extension activities emanated from this effort, including national and international workshops. TARGET AUDIENCES: Growers/farmers, extension staff, Certified Crop Advisors, agency staff, researchers. This project had national and international impacts. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
This project has advanced understanding of soil health throughout the Northeast and is generating management changes on farms. The project has received international attention (notably Australia, India, South Africa, Singapore,and Jamaica) where there is interest in adopting our methodologies. We are now offering a soil health test on a commercial basis, which is generating critical management information to farmers. Right-of-way construction efforts can cause serious damage to soil resources. Pipeline construction projects are expected to greatly expand in parts of New York as a result of the exploration of the Marcellus Shale natural gas field. Current methodologies for assessment of the impact of pipeline construction activities on soil resources are poorly developed and therefore do not allow for adequate protection of the land resource base. The newly-developed Cornell Soil Health Test (CSHT) provides a standard for assessment of soil quality relative to important soil physical, chemical and biological processes and functions. The CSHT was evaluated as a tool for assessment of right-of-way construction impacts using a test case of the Cornell Combined Heat and Power project, which included the construction of an eight-inch gas delivery line over a three mile length from the interstate transmission line to the Cornell campus during 2008 and 2009.
Publications
- van Es, H.M. 2010. Historical and Emerging Soil and Water Conservation Issues in the Northeastern USA. In: T. Zobeck and W. Schillinger. Soil and Water Conservation Advances in the US. Pp. 163-182. Soil Science Soc. America. Special Publ. 60. Madison, WI.
- Mochizuki, M.J., A. Rangarajan, H.M. van Es, R.B. Bellinder, and T.N. Bjorkman. 2008. Rye Mulch Improves Soil Quality in the Transition to Conservation tillage for Cabbage. Hort Science 43(2)1-6.
- Moebius-Clune, B.N., H. M. van Es, J.O. Idowu, R.R.. Schindelbeck, D.J. Moebius-Clune, D.W. Wolfe, G.S. Abawi, J.E. Thies, B.K. Gugino, R. Lucey. 2008. Long-Term Removal of Maize Residue for Bioenergy: Will It Affect Soil Quality Soil Science Society of America Journal 72:960-969.
- Schindelbeck, R.R., H.M. van Es, G.S. Abawi, D.W. Wolfe, T. L. Whitlow, B.K. Gugino, O.J. Idowu, and B.N. Moebius. 2008. Comprehensive Assessment of Soil Quality for Landscape and Urban Management. Landscape and Urban Planning.88:73-80. doi:10.1016/j.landurbplan.2008.08.006.
- van Es, H.M. 2008. Crop rotations and soil tilth. In: C. L. Mohler and S.E. Johnson, ed. 2008. Crop Rotation on Organic Farms: a Planning Manual. NRAES: Ithaca, NY.
- Idowu, O.J., H.M. van Es, G.S. Abawi, D.W. Wolfe, J.I. Ball, B.K. Gugino, B.N. Moebius, R.R. Schindelbeck, and A.V. Bilgili. 2008. Farmer-Oriented Assessment of Soil Quality using Field, Laboratory, and VNIR Spectroscopy Methods. Plant and Soil.307:243-253.
- Mochizuki, M.J., A. Rangarajan, R.R. Bellinder, T.N. Bjorkman, H.M.van Es. 2007. Overcoming compaction limitations to cabbage growth and yield in the transition to conservation tillage. HortScience 42(7):1690-1694.
- Moebius, B.N, H. M. van Es, R. R. Schindelbeck, J.O. Idowu, J.E. Thies, D.J. Clune. 2007. Evaluation of Laboratory-Measured Soil Physical Properties as Indicators of Soil Quality. Soil Science 172:895-912.
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Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Soil Health Sample Collection: Soil Health samples were collected from the pipeline construction area in June, 2009. The conservation grass mix had established well and was holding the soil against erosion. Sampling sites were chosen to capture typical characteristics of each soil mapping unit encountered - Agricultural, Wetland, and Fallow. Composite soil samples were collected from locations directly on the ROW and just off the ROW in the adjacent undisturbed land area. Each location therefore has paired samples from within the disturbed area and an associated "benchmark" sample of native soil conditions collected from directly outside the construction area. Comparison of collected data from the paired locations allows for immediate quantitative evaluation of the effects of construction on native soil function and the efficacy of the varying construction practices and remediation techniques applied to the different land use types. The representative sampling of soil from the 0-6 inch depth is coupled to soil penetrometer readings at 0-6 inch and 6- 18 inch depth. Results of Post-construction 2009 Soil Health Sampling: The test results will allow for an integrated assessment of the functional capacity of the soil at each location and targeted evaluation of past and future restoration practices. The diverse range of tested soil types and applied practices also allows for an evaluation of the effectiveness of each soil type/ remediation combination. The Cornell Soil Health Reports for the Wetland areas showed little negative effect of construction on their ability to support soil functions. The ROW construction and restoration treatments somewhat loosened the naturally dense surface and subsoil and did not impair soil biological activities (as evidenced by surface and subsurface hardness levels). This suggests that subsequent conservation grass cover growth will continue to stabilize and maintain the ROW. The Agricultural lands consistently showed minimal soil change from the pipeline installation activities. Soil hardness measured in the surface and subsurface soil revealed little compaction beyond the native, background characteristics of the soil just outside the ROW. Soil structure as determined by the aggregate stability test was minimally affected as well. Soil biological activity from the stockpiling effort had only a small effect. In contrast to the others, the Fallow land use type showed marked negative effects of the pipeline construction efforts. Increased soil compaction (hardness) at the surface and subsurface was accompanied by loss of soil structure as indicated by the decreased aggregate stability. Multiple soil biological parameters were seen to decrease when comparing the ROW samples with their corresponding samples collected outside the construction zone. The limited post-construction remedial activities in the Fallow zones did not alleviate negative effects on soil function in these areas. The measured reduction in soil quality, mostly the result of less stringent construction requirements, suggests that the Fallow land use areas would benefit from further reclamation efforts. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Right-of-way construction efforts can cause serious damage to soil resources. Pipeline construction projects are expected to greatly expand in parts of New York as a result of the exploration of the Marcellus Shale natural gas field. Current methodologies for assessment of the impact of pipeline construction activities on soil resources are poorly developed and therefore do not allow for adequate protection of the land resource base. The newly-developed Cornell Soil Health Test (CSHT) provides a standard for assessment of soil quality relative to important soil physical, chemical and biological processes and functions. The CSHT was evaluated as a tool for assessment of right-of-way construction impacts using a test case of the Cornell Combined Heat and Power project, which included the construction of an eight-inch gas delivery line over a three mile length from the interstate transmission line to the Cornell campus during 2008 and 2009. Samples were collected from wetlands, agricultural lands and fallow areas, each having different construction guidelines, in a paired sampling scheme (on- and off-right of way). Test results indicated that (i) wetland and agricultural land construction and remediation methods resulted in satisfactory post-construction soil conditions, (ii) lower construction and remediation standards in fallow areas resulted in significantly lower soil quality levels than the other lands, and (iii) the CSHT effectively assesses soil damage from pipeline construction, and additionally provides guidelines for further remediation efforts. We conclude that the CSHT is an effective tool for assessing soil quality impacts of right-of-way construction projects and should be considered as a monitoring tool in the permitting of such activities.
Publications
- Magdoff, F.R., and H.M. van Es. 2009. Building Soils for Better Crops: Sustainable Soil Management. Handbook Series Book 10. Sustainable Agric. Research and Extension, College Park, MD.
- van Es, H.M. 2010. Historical and Emerging Soil and Water Conservation Issues in the Northeastern USA. In: T. Zobeck and W. Schillinger. Soil and Water Conservation Advances in the US: Past Efforts-Future Outlook. Soil Science Soc. America. Madison, WI (in press).
- Idowu, O,., H. M van Es, G.S. Abawi,, D. W. Wolfe, R.R. Schindelbeck, B.N.Moebius-Clune, B. K. Gugino. 2009. Use of an integrative soil health test for evaluation of soil management impacts. Renewable and Sustainable Agriculture 24:214-224.
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Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: We have continued to involve more growers in our soil health project activities by sampling their fields and providing soil health report as management guide for improving soil productivity. In 2008 we analyzed a total of 386 growers' field samples. Soil Health Reports of the sampled fields have been sent to the collaborating growers. Growers, educators and consultants in NY and other parts of the Northeast have continued to show interest in the new Cornell Soil Health Test. In 2008, we held 15 grower focused soil health meetings in NY, 3 meetings in VT and 2 meetings in MD. Our database of soil health has continued to grow in terms of the number of samples added each year. These samples are coming from both the new fields and previously sampled fields. Some growers have had the opportunity of the same fields being sampled multiple times and are able to assess the changes in soil health over time. We conducted 3 workshops in the Northeast to aid farmers, educators and consultants in interpreting the soil health test. Long-Term Research and Demonstration Soil Health Sites: We have continued to maintain our long term soil health site at Gates Farm. The Gates Farm experiment consists of vegetable rotations with and without intervening soil building crops, each under three tillage methods (no-till, plow-till and zone-till) and three cover cropping systems (none, rye and vetch). Statistical analysis of 2008 data from the Gates farm experiment showed significant differences in several soil health indicators with tillage and cover crop treatments especially in continuous vegetable rotation. The overall Cornell Soil Health Index was significant for tillage treatment in the continuous vegetable rotation with reduced tillage systems generally having better soil health than the plow-till systems. Indicators showing significant differences include wet aggregate stability, active carbon, potentially mineralizable nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. Generally, The zone-till system tend to be better for soil health improvement than the plow-till system. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
This project has advanced understanding of soil health throughout the Northeast and is generating management changes on farms. The project has received international attention (notably Australia, India and Jamaica) where there is interest in adopting our methodologies. We are now offering a soil health test on a commercial basis, which is generating criticalk management information to farmers.
Publications
- Schindelbeck, R.R., H.M. van Es, G.S. Abawi, D.W. Wolfe, T. L. Whitlow, B.K. Gugino, O.J. Idowu, and B.N. Moebius. 2008. Comprehensive Assessment of Soil Quality for Landscape and Urban Management. Landscape and Urban Planning.88:73-80.
- Moebius, B., H. van Es, O. Idowu, R. Schindelbeck, D.l Clune, D. Wolf, G. Abawi, J. Thies and B. Gugino. 2007 Harvesting Corn Stover for Bioenergy: Does it Have Long-term Effects on Soil Health? Whats Cropping Up: A Newsletter for New York Field Crops and Soils 17 (3).
- Idowu, O.J., H.M. van Es, G.S. Abawi, D.W. Wolfe, J.I. Ball, B.K. Gugino, B.N. Moebius, R.R. Schindelbeck, and A.V. Bilgili. 2008. Farmer-Oriented Assessment of Soil Quality using Field, Laboratory, and VNIR Spectroscopy Methods. Plant and Soil.307:243-253.
- Robert Schindelbeck, John Idowu, Harold van Es, George Abawi, David Wolfe and Beth Gugino. (2008) How to Interpret and Use the Cornell Soil Health Test (CSHT) Report. Whats Cropping Up? Vol. 18 No. 1: 1-4.
- Idowu, J., B. Moebius, H. van Es, R. Schindelbeck, G. Abawi, D. Wolfe, J. Thies, B. Gugino, and D. Clune. 2007. The New Cornell Soil Health Test: Protocols and Interpretations-- Whats Cropping Up: A Newsletter for New York Field Crops and Soils 17 (1)).
- Bob Schindelbeck, John Idowu and Harold van Es (2008) The Link between Soil Health and Reduced Tillage. Whats Cropping Up? Vol. 18 No. 3: 8-10.
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