If
sediment came from fertile fields of your upstream neighbors,
the fertility status of the field will probably be unchanged
or higher than before the flood. If heavy sedimentation occurs,
these soils should be tested to determine nutrient status.
Take soil samples at a 6- to 8-inch depth in at least 15 locations
per field. Each soil sample should represent 20 acres or less.
Areas with significant differences in textures should be sampled
separately.
Sand
deposits may have to be removed or spread over other areas
and mixed with the more productive soil beneath. Sand deposits
on top of silty or clay-type soils deeper than 4 inches may
decrease potential crop yields. Determine the location, depth
and amount of coverage of sand. Call your county Extension
agent for further guidelines.
- Open
all drainage ditches.
- Remove
debris from fields and pastures. Look carefully for partially
hidden objects that could injure livestock or damage machinery.
Check hedge and fence rows carefully.
- To
prevent severe soil compacting, avoid running trucks and
heavy farm equipment over wet soils. Most soils are not
dry enough for traffic or cultivation until the top 5 or
6 inches crumble, rather than slick over or pack.
- Encourage
the growth of cover crops such as rye or wheat. Any type
of plant growth is effective in drying waterlogged soils.
- It
is usually not necessary to remove silt deposits. After
soils are dry enough to work, level and mix silt deposits
into original topsoil, if practical.
- Apply
animal manure and incorporate into soil. Check with your
county Extension agent for recommended application rates.
- The
fertility level of flooded soils will probably change over
a period of time. Do not guess at requirements. Take soil
samples to determine new fertility levels. Follow recommendations.
Allow for nutrients supplied by applied animal manures.
When sampling silted fields, make sure the samples represent
the soil mix that will exist after deposited silt is mixed
with the original topsoil.
- Avoid
deep tillage or subsoiling unless advised by an agronomist.
Deep tillage or subsoiling is rarely beneficial and could
be harmful.
Additional resources:
Your county agricultural agent, Soil Conservation Service
Related publications:
UW-Extension Publications-
"Management of Wisconsin Soils," (A3588);
"Sampling Soils for Testing," (A2100).
Disclaimer and Reproduction Information: Information in
NASD does not represent NIOSH policy. Information included in
NASD appears by permission of the author and/or copyright holder.
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