Montana Soil Resources Montana Small Grain Guide

Soil Potential n All Montana Soils have potential for cereal grains n Irrigated soils cover 3% doubles production per acredoubles production per acre

Characteristics of Montana Soils n Soil characteristics that influence efficiency: Soil Texture Soil Texture Organic Matter Content Organic Matter Content Amount of Clay Amount of Clay pH pH Salt Level Salt Level Arrangements of Horizons Arrangements of Horizons

Soil Texture n measure of relative proportions of sand, silt and clay n texture determines: water-holding capacity water-holding capacity infiltration rate infiltration rate tendency to become compacted tendency to become compacted

Organic Matter n 1-5% OM in soils n helps bind soil particles into aggregate n improves infiltration n holds more water, nutrients, air n Soils farmed for 30 years have 1/2 the O.M. thus need for more fertilizerthus need for more fertilizer

Soil pH n measure of Acidity or Alkalinity n ideal pH for nutrient availability = 6.5 many soils 7.5 to 8.3many soils 7.5 to 8.3

Salts n arid climates salts do not leach out of soil, thus accumulate in the soil n Saline Seep is one example

Climate and Cereal Grain Production n Late spring moisture = reduced growing season = lower yields n Harvest rain = lodging, bleaching n Temperature: Barley & Wheat like cool n Temps over 90 deg F damages n Winterkill: low winter temps kill winter wheat min temp -17 deg Fmin temp -17 deg F protective snow coverprotective snow cover

Chinooks n rise in temp. of 29 degrees F in 24 hour period n more water enters the soil in areas of few chinooks n Figure I-7 page 11

Drought n Lack of precipitation, high temps., high winds n Dry April suggests that rest of growing season will be dry help decision makinghelp decision making