IDENTIFICATION AND ANALYSIS OF CONNECTICUT SOILS

• Sponsoring Institution: State Agricultural Experiment Station
• Project Status: COMPLETE
• Funding Source: STATE
• Reporting Frequency: Annual
• Accession No.: 1021989
• Project Start Date: Jan 1, 2020
• Project End Date: Dec 31, 2024
• Program Code: [(N/A)]- (N/A)

Recipient Organization
CONNECTICUT AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
PO BOX 1106
NEW HAVEN,CT 06504

Performing Department
Environmental Sciences

Non Technical Summary
Plant health is governed to a large extent by soil fertility. Soil tests provide an intelligent guide to the use of fertilizers, limestone and other soil amendments. Until Dr. M. F. Morgan, of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, developed the first quick and reliable soil test in the 1930's, maintaining soil fertility was largely guesswork. The abandonment of Connecticut farmland throughout the 1800's was caused in part because soil fertility and associated crop yields were declining due to the lack of a method to determine the soil nutrients needed to sustain plant growth. Prior to Dr. Morgan, plant requirements for approximately 16 nutrients had been established, but no one had been able to develop a test that could mimic the nutrient extraction capability of a plant's root system. Dr. Morgan's breakthrough was the development of an extracting solution with the nutrient removal ability of a plant's root system. Called the "Morgan's Universal Extract," the solution could be analyzed for plant nutrients and, based on the results, crop needs could be predicted. The Morgan Soil Test is now the basis for many soil tests throughout the world. Currently, soil testing laboratories at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in New Haven and Windsor use the Morgan Soil Test to analyze over 10,000 samples each year from farms, lawns, home gardens, nurseries, golf courses and commercial grounds. The test determines levels of nitrate nitrogen (N03 -N), ammonium nitrogen (NH4 -N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg). These are the nutrients most likely to be deficient in Connecticut soils. Other tests performed are pH (acidity or alkalinity), organic matter, and soil texture (percent sand, silt and clay). In addition to improving plant growth, soil tests can help reduce the pollution of groundwater, lakes and Long Island Sound by preventing the overuse of fertilizer.

Animal Health Component

75%

Research Effort Categories

Basic

25%

Applied

75%

Developmental

(N/A)

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
101	0110	2061	10%
102	0110	1010	90%

Knowledge Area
102 - Soil, Plant, Water, Nutrient Relationships; 101 - Appraisal of Soil Resources;

Subject Of Investigation
0110 - Soil;

Field Of Science
1010 - Nutrition and metabolism; 2061 - Pedology;

Keywords

soils

soil surveys

soil analysis

soil testing

soil nutrients

chemical analysis

Goals / Objectives
Provide soil identification and fertility analyses for Connecticut citizens. Enhance crop production and protect the environment by reducing unnecessary use of fertilizer.

Project Methods
Citizens will deilver soil samples to the laboratory for testing. The Morgan Universal Soil Test will be used to test for pH,organic matter, texture, No3-N, NH4-N, P, K, Ca, and Mg. Salinity will be tested by the conductivity method if requsted.Soil test results will be provided with suggestions for soil ammendments such as fertilizer and limestone based on the crop, best management practicies, anddesire for "conventional" or "organic" methods.

Progress 01/01/20 to 12/31/24

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for this project includes homeowners, farmers, professional landscapers, nurseries, greenhouse managers, golf course superintentents, lawn services etc. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Gave aproximately 30 talks on soil testing, container gardening, and other relater topicsto garden clubs, classes, and other organizations. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The soil testing service is advertised on the front page of the agency website. Results are disseminated through soil reports given to clients, publication of annual soil testing summaries, ansering general public inquiries, and public lectures and talks as stated above. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? We provided soil testing services to Connecticut residents free of cost. Appoximately 30,000 soil fertility tests were performed at our New Haven station and 16,000 were performed at our Windsor station. About 45% were performed for commercial entities and 55% for homeowners. Commercial samples were done for landscapers, municipalities, golf course superintendents; research companies, and growers of vegetables, small fruits, tobacco, and nursery crops. 25% of soils tested did not require additional fertilization; recommendations preventing excess fertilizer protects the local environment.

Publications

Progress 10/01/23 to 09/30/24

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for this project includes homeowners, farmers, professional landscapers, nurseries, greenhouse managers, golf course superintentents, lawn services etc. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Spoke on "Soil Testing" to a soils class from Southern Connecticut State University (20 participants) (April 11) Gave a talk entitled "Container Gardening Indoors and Out" to the North Haven Garden Club(40 participants) (April 11) Judged the Future Farmers of America Science Fair (May 2). Gave an invited talk on "Container Gardening Indoors and Out" to the Oxford Garden Club at the Oxford Public Library (August 27). Participated in a virtual meeting of the Terramation Task Force convened by State Representative Christine Palm (September 12). How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The soil testing service is advertised on the front page of the agency website. Results are disseminated through soil reports given to clients, publication of annual soil testing summaries, ansering generalpublic inquiries, and public lectures and talks as stated above. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue as in past with every effort to improve.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? We provided soil testing services to Conneticut residents free of cost. 7,361 soil fertility tests were performed at our New Haven station and 3,930 were performed at our Windsor station.About 45% were performed for commercial entitiesand 55% for homeowners. Commercial samples were done for landscapers, municipalities, golf course superintendents; research companies, and growers of vegetables, small fruits, tobacco, and nursery crops. 25% of soils tested did not require additional fertilization; recommendations preventing excess fertilizer protects the local environment.

Publications

Progress 10/01/22 to 09/30/23

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for this project includes homeowners, farmers, professional landscapers, nurseries, greenhouse managers, golf course superintentents, lawn services etc. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Soil testing demonstration to students from Options Employment& Educational Services. (April 4) Talk on "Composting' to the Wethersfield Garden Club at the Solomon Wells House. (March 6) Seminar entitled "Container Gardening Indoors and Out" to the Simsbury Garden Club at the Simsbury Library. (March 21) Virtual presentation on "Biodiversity" to the Federated Garden Club Environmental School. (September 23) Talk entitled "Container Gardening Indoors and Out" to the Long Hill Garden Club at the Trumbull Public Library. (September 26) Talk entitled "Improving Soil in the Home Garden" to the Garden Club of Cheshire at the Cheshire Senior Center. (September21) How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Through distribution of soil reports, answers public inquiries, and talks as stated above What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue as in past with every effort to improve.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Provide soil identification and fertility analyses for Connecticut citizens. Enhance crop production and protect the environment by reducing unnecessary use of fertilizer.

Publications

Progress 10/01/21 to 09/30/22

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for this project includes homeowners, farmers, professional landscapers, nurseries, greenhouse managers, golf course superintentents, lawn services etc. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Gave a virtual presentation entitled "Composting" sponsored by the C.H. Booth Library. (approx. 30. attendees) Interviewed on composting by Allissa Silber of the Newtown Bee. The article can be viewed here https://www.newtownbee.com/11292021/library-welcomes-soil-scientist-speaking-about-composting/?q=composting . Gave a talk entitled "Lawn Care" to the North Haven Garden Club at the North Haven Recreation Center. (approx. 25 attendees) Gave a talk on "Composting" to the Newtown Horticulture Club at the Newtown Community Center. (approx. 40 attendees) Gave a talk on "Container Gardening Indoors and Out" to the West Haven Garden Club at the West haven Public Library. (approx. 30 attendees) Judged the Future Farmers of America Science Fair at the Big E in West Springfield, MA. Gave a talk entitled "Improving Soil in the Home Garden" to the Garden Club of Cheshire at the Cheshire Senior Center. (approx. 50 attendees) Gave a virtual presentation on "Biodiversity" to the Federated Garden Club Environmental School. (approx. 50 attendees) Gave a talk entitled "Container Gardening Indoors and Out" to the Long Hill Garden Club at the Trumbull Public Library. (approx. 50 attendees) How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Through distribution of soil reports, answers public inquiries, and talks as stated above. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue as in past with everyeffort to improve.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Provide over 6000 soil analyses and answer over 2000 public inquiries for Connecticut citizens to improve plant growth and protect the environment.

Publications

Progress 10/01/20 to 09/30/21

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for this project includes homeowners, farmers, professional landscapers, nurseries, greenhouse managers, golf course superintentents, lawn services etc. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?11/9/21 - Gave a virtual presentation entitled "Composting" sponsored by the C.H. Booth Library.11-9 - Gave a virtual presentation entitled "Composting" sponsored by the C.H. Booth Library. 11/10/21 - Interviewed on composting by Allissa Silber of the Newtown Bee. 11/23/21 - Gave a talk entitled "Lawn Care" to the North Haven Garden Club at the North Haven Recreation Center. 4/27/21 - Spoke to an earth science class from Southern Connecticut State University on "Soil testing and Invasive Aquatic Plants." 1/26/21 - Gave a virtual talk entitled "Improving Soil in the Home Garden" to the Orchard Valley Garden Club. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Through distribution of soil reports, answers public inquiries, and talks as stated above. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue as in past.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Provide over 6000 soil analyses and answer over 2000 public inquiries for Connecticut citizens to improve plant growth and protect the environment.

Publications

Progress 01/01/20 to 09/30/20

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for this project includes homeowners, farmers, professional landscapers, nurseries, greenhouse managers, golf course superintentents,lawn services etc. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?3/9 - Gave a talk entitled "Container Gardening Indoors and Out" at the East Hartford Public Library. (approx. 12 attendees) 3/10 - Gave a talk entitled "Container Gardening Indoors and Out" to the Cherry Brook Garden Club at the Community Center in Canton. (approx. 65 attendees) 5/2/20 - Gave a presentation via Zoom entitled "Improving Soil in the Home Garden" as part of the Cora J. Belden Library in Rocky Hill adult learning program. (Approx. 12 attendees) 7/10/20 - Gave a talk via Zoom entitled "Lawn Care During Drought" in collaboration with the New Canaan Public Library. (approx. 50 attendees) How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Yes through mailings of soil test results, answering of public inquiries and talks (see training and profesional development section). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue as above.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Provide over 6000 soil analyses and answer over 2000 public inquiries for Connecticut citizens to improve plant growth and protect the environment.

Publications