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.
Nutrient Management for Sustainable Soil Productivity
Plan Goals
Increase soil quality and crop productivity by applying research-based management of organic and synthetic fertilizers as well as cropping systems while minimizing or eliminating environmental contamination risks.
- Owner
- Robert Flynn
Impact Reports
Clientele attending workshops (Master Gardener) responded in the following manner to a survey that they would change the way that fertilizers and / or organic amendments are used: 54% would definitely change the way they use fertilizer/organic amendments; 24% were most likely going to change their use of amendments, 13% probably would, and 6% probably wouldn't while 4% would not change. Those that would not change were already following good management practices or were more familiar with container gardening.
The NMSU soil testing lab submitted 828 soils for interpretation. This was approximately 6% fewer (55 interpretations) than was submitted for the same time period in 2008. All of these soil tests received suggestions on how to manage nutrients for plant production.
The major presentation presented at nutrient management workshops was titled:
“Soil Fertility and Other Challenges to Gardening in _____ County”."
The evaluation by the participants had the following results:
90% said they would probably have their soil tested.
100% said they would change the way they fertilize/use amendments.
80% said they may change the way that they use organic products.
78% said they have a better understanding of New Mexico soil.
All respondents said that they learned at least one thing about NM soil.
If clients had to put a dollar value on this presentation it would be worth:
a. $$$ (78%)
b. $$ (19%)
c. $ (3%)
d. 0 (0%)
One client had the following to say regarding soil test interpretation: “This report is very comprehensive with a lot of detailed information. I really see the importance of understanding salinity and I can now make the right decisions for future amendments.”
Christi Rubio, Hidalgo County Agent stated: “March 11 - Held Soil and Water Testing Interpretation workshop in Animas; 100% of producers said the information on soil and water testing results was new; 100% said the workshop made test results easier to use; 88% said the hands on experience working with the field data, made the data easier to understand; 100% said they would use the information attained for future decisions related to their fields; Many positive comments were made and a request on future programs in: pest control, installation of fertilizers in irrigation systems; cover crops; and no till. 11 participants (6 producers)"
The major presentation presented at nutrient management workshops was titled:
“Soil Fertility and Other Challenges to Gardening in _____ County”."
The evaluation by the participants had the following results:
90% said they would probably have their soil tested.
100% said they would change the way they fertilize/use amendments.
80% said they may change the way that they use organic products.
78% said they have a better understanding of New Mexico soil.
All respondents said that they learned at least one thing about NM soil.
If clients had to put a dollar value on this presentation it would be worth:
a. $$$ (78%)
b. $$ (19%)
c. $ (3%)
d. 0 (0%)
One client had the following to say regarding soil test interpretation: “This report is very comprehensive with a lot of detailed information. I really see the importance of understanding salinity and I can now make the right decisions for future amendments.”
Christi Rubio, Hidalgo County Agent stated: “March 11 - Held Soil and Water Testing Interpretation workshop in Animas; 100% of producers said the information on soil and water testing results was new; 100% said the workshop made test results easier to use; 88% said the hands on experience working with the field data, made the data easier to understand; 100% said they would use the information attained for future decisions related to their fields; Many positive comments were made and a request on future programs in: pest control, installation of fertilizers in irrigation systems; cover crops; and no till. 11 participants (6 producers)"
An irrigation water quality tool was developed during this timeframe in response to growers needing visual cues regarding quality and calculated leaching fractions. At least 4 clientele from FY2008 submitted samples again in FY2009. A model farm utilizing dairy effluent water for corp production continues to show reduced soil nitrate levels with depth as a result of using the soil test interpretation workbook.
Short Term Objectives:
Insufficient data collected in 2007 to address any change in behaviour. Will change strategy for 2008.
Examinations were changed for the 2008 season to more accurately assess knowledge gained by clientele attending nutrient management workshops. The 2007 quizes were not tracked.
No workshops held during 2007 for verified organic producers.
No Comprehensive Nutrient Manaagement Planning workshops held due to program re-evaluation with USDA NRCS.
Medium Term Objectives
Target dairy farms are submitting soil tests through NMSU SWAT lab. NMSU continues to work with the dairy industry to help track nutrients for compliance with EPA and the the New Mexico Environment Department.
The NMSU Soil Test Interpretation Workbook was revised in 2007 and issued as version 4.09. Posted to NRCS website as part of Jobsheet 590, Nutrient Management Standard (NMSU Soil Test Interpretations Report Software Excel Worksheet) http://www.nm.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/tech-notes/agro.html
Long Term Objectives are in process.
Insufficient data collected in 2007 to address any change in behaviour. Will change strategy for 2008.
Examinations were changed for the 2008 season to more accurately assess knowledge gained by clientele attending nutrient management workshops. The 2007 quizes were not tracked.
No workshops held during 2007 for verified organic producers.
No Comprehensive Nutrient Manaagement Planning workshops held due to program re-evaluation with USDA NRCS.
Medium Term Objectives
Target dairy farms are submitting soil tests through NMSU SWAT lab. NMSU continues to work with the dairy industry to help track nutrients for compliance with EPA and the the New Mexico Environment Department.
The NMSU Soil Test Interpretation Workbook was revised in 2007 and issued as version 4.09. Posted to NRCS website as part of Jobsheet 590, Nutrient Management Standard (NMSU Soil Test Interpretations Report Software Excel Worksheet) http://www.nm.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/tech-notes/agro.html
Long Term Objectives are in process.