Course Description
The Soil & Nutrient Management module will provide an in-depth study of Urban Trees. Soil quality is a primary concern for arborists since it directly impacts tree and shrub establishment, growth, health and life span. We will discuss the importance of high-quality soils along with proper soil management techniques. We will also discuss the “ideal soil” and its importance in root growth and stability, water and nutrient availability along with drainage and aeration.
Urban soils are consistently abused by human activities; some of the more common being compaction, improper irrigation methods, chemical and salt application.
Proper soil assessment will help us identify soil conditions and limitations and steps necessary to modify these limitations to plant growth. A few soil modification steps discussed will include organic and inorganic amendments, adjusting pH, mulching and fertilization. A 20-question multiple choice quiz will be given at end of class.
Recommended Reading
Best Management Practices, Soil Management for Urban Trees, ISA 2014
American National Standard – Tree, Shrub and Other Woody Plant Management – Standard Practices (Soil Management a. Modification, b. Fertilization, and c. Drainage) (ANSI A300, Part 2) ISA 2011
Trees in the Urban Landscape, Nina Bassuck, Peter Trowbridge, 2004
References/Handouts (can be printed/read before class)
Provided Equipment
Kelway pH/moisture meter; soil compaction tester; various small soil probing tools.
Day One
During the morning session, we will discuss proper soil management as it pertains to modification, fertilization and drainage. Tree, site and soil assessment will be discussed as a means to improve plant establishment and long-term health. The afternoon session will be spent performing various site and soil assessments in the field. We will cover proper procedures for collecting soil nutrient samples.
Outcomes
