Comparison of soil quality of farms managed with sustainable and conventional soil management practices in Oklahoma

Comparison of soil quality of farms managed with sustainable and conventional soil management practices in Oklahoma

Summary

We initiated an on-farm project to generate local soil quality information comparing soil quality of sustainable and non-sustainable systems, and develop soil quality assessment index and online tool. We collected soil physical, chemical and biological properties in spring and summer 2011. In about 65% of the fields we sampled, the owners participated in sampling and person-to-person discussion of the results we found. Overall, growers (particularly organic growers) were optimistic and showed interest to use on-site soil quality measurements. We conducted two in-service trainings in 2011 and participated in one composting workshop in May 2012.

Objectives/Performance Targets

(1)   Generate local soil quality information comparing soil quality of sustainable and non-sustainable systems ,

(2)  develop soil quality assessment index that can be used to quantify overall soil quality status of a farm , and

(3)  develop an online soil quality assessment decision aide program.

Collaborators: