Note: This site is for reviewing legacy plan of work data from 2007-2011. If you are looking for the current plan of work interface, visit pow.nmsu.edu.
Impact Report
| For plan | Identification and Management of New Mexico's Saline and Sodium Affected Soils |
| Date | January 21, 2011, 7:00 pm |
| For Objective | Long-term Show long-term objectives |
| Impact Report | The NM Vine and Wine Society Conference budgeted an hour of time to review soil testing and water analysis. Several vineyard owners submitted samples over the next few months and called with questions. Two alfalfa growers were contacted after their soils were found to be saline. One was in the zone where a non-dormant, salt tolerant variety of alfalfa could be grown. Client stated that the crop is doing better than before the new variety. Salinity and its management was also incorporated into the Master Gardener program. Previous experience shows that it may take two years for clients to begin adapting salinity control practices. Only one client re-submitted a soil sample to determine if amending and leaching did the job to lower the sodium and total salt content of the soil. This person had a small parcel of land where the soil could be made into basins and filled with water from a hose and allowed to percolate. Most clients where that recommendation was put into practice have not resubmitted a sample. The Compost Operator Certification Course is another workshop where salinity and sodium concerns are shared with those responsible for making compost in their community (mostly municipal solid waste facilities but also private and county composters). Problematic composts are usually diluted with low salt content compost and additives are kept out of the pile to maintain low salt content compost. Eighty percent of the compost operators are able to keep their compost to less than 10 mmhos/cm. |