1. Montana Soil Resources Montana Small Grain Guide

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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