EFFECT OF SOLONETZ SOIL HORIZON MIXING ON ALFALFA GROWTH

Samples of the Ap, Bn and Csk horizons of four Solonetz soil types were mixed to simulate the effect of deep plowing. Half of the mixed horizon samples were leached with water while the other half were not. Alfalfa was grown in the greenhouse on samples of Ap, Bn and mixed horizon soils. The alfalfa was harvested and chemically analyzed. The soil was subjected to certain chemical and physical determinations. Under conditions of adequate moisture the mixed horizons produced more alfalfa than the Ap horizon in two of the four soils. Leaching the mixtures resulted in lower alfalfa yields. Mixed horizon samples had higher infiltration rates, and lower breaking strengths than Bn horizon samples.