Ohio Soils and Subsoil Clay

Paper Summary:

This work researches and examines why many Ohio soils have significantly more clay in the subsoil than in their surface horizons or the soil parent material. The author argues that these changes are due to man's agricultural pursuits in the area. The paper also explores the soil in terms of Ohio's climate and the soil's organic composition.

From the Paper:

"Soil organic matter is the source of nitrogen, phosphorus and other micronutrients needed in crop production and which is formed during the oxidization and decay processes that occur in the soil. The levels of these nutrients produced by the soil processes is difficult to change. According to the work entitled: " " published in the Agronomy Bulletin: "Historically, when forages were part of the crop rotation, nutrient release and soil tilth increased due to the season-long production of roots. Currently, well fertilized, high-yielding grain crops return large volumes of residue to the soil and are a source of nutrients. On medium-textured soils low in organic matter, crop residues are usually more beneficial when left on the surface than when incorporated. During the growing season this surface residue reduces the formation of soil crusts and results in increased water infiltration and higher crop yields. Crop residue on the surface of fine-textured soils such as silty clay loam or clay loam may delay planting by delaying soil drying." (Ohio Agronomy Guide, 14th Edition; accessed online 2006-04-08)"

Sample of Sources Used:

• Beuerlein, Jim (nd) Ohio Ohio's Climate and Soil - Ohio Agronomy Guide, 14th Edition Chapter 1; Bulletin No. 472-05 Online located at: http://ohioline.osu.edu/b472/0002.html.
• The Collapse of the Ecosystem (nd) The Final Empire Part II Online Available at: http://www.rainbowbody.net/Finalempire/FEchap3.htm

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