1. 1 of 21 ©2008 University of Florida - IFAS Soils in Florida Advanced Topics in Soils for Master Gardeners Amy Shober UF – IFAS Gulf Coast REC

2. The Soil Forming Factors Parent Material ClimateTopography Biological Factors Time 2 of 21 ©2008 University of Florida - IFAS

3. Soils & Land Resource Areas 3 of 21 ©2008 University of Florida – IFAS Soils map credits: C.G. Hoogeweg

4. 4 of 21 ©2008 University of Florida - IFAS Figure Credit: USGS Geology of Florida Situated on Floridian Plateau Influenced by marine forces (sea level) Limestone bedrock causes Karst features

5. 5 of 21 ©2008 University of Florida - IFAS Photo Credits: Wade Hurt, USDA-NRCS and Mary Collins, UF-IFAS ImmokaleeMyakkaOldsmarWabasso Spodosols

6. Entisols AstatulaBasingerCandlerTavares 6 of 21 ©2008 University of Florida - IFAS Photo Credits: Wade Hurt, USDA-NRCS and Mary Collins, UF-IFAS

7. Histosols 7 of 21 ©2008 University of Florida - IFAS Photo Credits: Wade Hurt, USDA-NRCS and Mary Collins, UF-IFAS Pamlico OkeelantaChobee

8. Ultisols LucyOrangeburg 8 of 21 ©2008 University of Florida - IFAS Photo Credits: Wade Hurt, USDA-NRCS (retired) TiftonDothan

9. Alfisols HolopawPinedaRivieraWinder 9 of 21 ©2008 University of Florida - IFAS Photo Credits: Wade Hurt, USDA-NRCS and Mary Collins, UF-IFAS

10. Florida State Soil Series 10 of 21 ©2008 University of Florida - IFAS Photo Credits: Mary Collins, UF-IFAS Myakka fine sand

11. 11 of 21 ©2008 University of Florida - IFAS Photo Credits: USDA-NRCS (left); Tom Obreza, UF-IFAS (right) Urban (Disturbed) Soils Verrazano Soil (Fill over natural sand) Matlacha Soil (Dredged spoil)

12. Urban (Disturbed) Soils 1 of 21 ©2008 University of Florida - IFAS

13. 13 of 21 ©2008 University of Florida - IFAS Photo Credit: Amy Shober, UF-IFAS Urban (Disturbed) Soils

14. Major Urban Soil Issues Compaction Elevated pH Surface crusting Disrupted nutrient cycling Little or no biological activity Soil pore space before and after compaction. 14 of 21 ©2008 University of Florida - IFAS Figure Credit: USDA-NRCS

15. Soil Compaction Symptoms Ornamentals/turf quality declines Less growth than in other areas Unexplained/unexpected nutrient deficiencies More severe drought stress Roots growing laterally Excessive thatch layer Ponding of water when soil should drain 15 of 21 ©2008 University of Florida - IFAS

16. Measuring Soil Compaction Penetrometer –Reading > 300 psi = compaction Measure bulk density –Weight of solids/volume (g/cm 3, lbs/ft 3 ) 16 of 21 ©2008 University of Florida - IFAS

17. Bulk Density and Soil Compaction Soil or Material Compaction Threshold g/cm 3 lbs/ft 3 Sandy topsoil1.75110 Clay topsoil1.5597 Subsoil1.80112 Red brick*1.92120 Solid limestone*2.61163 * Materials listed are for comparison with compacted soils. 17 of 21 ©2008 University of Florida - IFAS

18. Water Related Problems 18 of 21 ©2008 University of Florida – IFAS Photo credits: Amy Shober, UF-IFAS

19. Nutrient Cycling Problems Low biological activity Low organic matter Plant residues moved offsite Compaction restricts water & nutrient movement 19 of 21 ©2008 University of Florida – IFAS Photo credits: Amy Shober, UF-IFAS

20. Soil pH Problems 20 of 21 ©2008 University of Florida – IFAS Photo credits: Tom Obreza, UF-IFAS

21. Summary Soil formation is influenced by the five soil forming factors. Florida’s soils are influenced by sea level changes. Compaction, pH, and other problems are common in urban soils due to the impact of human activities. 21 of 21 ©2008 University of Florida - IFAS