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Identification and Management of New Mexico's Saline and Sodium Affected Soils (Chaves County)

Plan Goal

Correctly identify saline and / or sodium affected soils in Chaves County with reasons for the salinity or sodium, and the dissemination of management practices and cropping systems that are appropriate for the affected location.
Increase awareness of sa

Situation Statement

Throughout Chaves County, we have seen an increase in soil salinity and sodium effects. As a result of past soil sample results we have seen an increase in salinity/sodium problems as well as an increase in EC levels at an alarming rate. In 2004, Chaves County ranked number 2 in Crop production. In Recent years, we have seen a decrease in certain areas of acreage due to Soil issues.

Target Audience and Actions

Soil test information will be shared and explained with farmers, home and land owners, and USDA personnel regarding the occurence of salinity and sodium affected soils. Soil test results from the NMSU soil lab will be interpreted and shared with individuals interested in the optimum use of their soil and water resources. Specific management practices will be shared with individuals in the case of saline and / or sodium affected soils. General identification and management practices will be distributed through one on one contacts, gardening clubs and presentations to master gardeners.

Short-Term Objectives

To increase awareness of proper soil testing techniques as well as interpreting sample reports by 25%.
25 percent of clientele will gain an awareness of the importance of soil testing for identifying saline and sodium affected soils before using the soil for plant growth. Agent will attend available upcoming workshops and share this information with cleintele.

Medium-Term Objectives

75% of clientele with sodium problems will be visited by the agent and sample will be reviewed and interpreted.
25 percent of clientele submitting sodium affected soil for NMSU lab analysis will report they followed amendment instructions or at the very least addressed the issue after receiving their interpretation.

Long-Term Objectives

At least one workshop or seminar will be attended by the agent per year. this will give the agent the tools needed to select plants and management practices for saline soils. Agent will be able to select at plants that are suitable for their conditions. Clientele with identified sodium affected soils will have either demonstrated a decrease in soil sodium due to prescribed management practices or can demonstrate steps that were taken to avoid sodium affected soils.

Evaluation Plan

Short- and medium-term objectives will be monitored, in part, from the interpretation of soil test results submitted to the NMSU soil and water testing laboratory. Short & Medium-term objectives will be evaluated using a phone. At least one case study will be utilized to track the effectiveness of management on saline and / or sodium affected soils and used as feedback. Others will be polled as to whether or not they avoided the sodium issue by selecting alternative sites to manage. Clientele participating in workshops of a professional nature will be evaluated for minimum competency in salinity and sodium issues through surveys and evaluations.