29-17 The Story Behind the Produce: Industrial Farming Impacts on Entisol Soil Health in Marietta, South Carolina

Session: Undergraduate Research, Part II (Posters)

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Abstract:

Industrial agricultural methods lead to soil degradation and poor soil health. Soil health is essential for ensuring optimal yields of agroecosystems. The objective of this study was to assess the soil health of Entisols from an industrial vegetable farm located in the North Saluda Watershed, Marietta, South Carolina. Farming methods included tillage, irrigation, use of agrochemicals, plasticulture, and no cover crops or residue retention. Crops were rotated in some fields, but other fields were monoculture. Thirty eight locations were randomly selected from seven fields and assessed with a set of 14 indicators including inherent soil properties, macro and micronutrients, microbial genetic diversity, and soil health. The soil samples have higher pH (6.8±0.3), higher base saturation dominated by calcium (76±7%), and lower bulk density (1.26±0.08 g/cm³) than typical Entisols. SOC (10.1±2.9 mg/g) and SON (0.7 ± 0.19 mg/g) concentrations were low enough to indicate erosion, but within the range for Entisols. SOC and SON showed no significant change with depth. The C:N molar ratio of 16.6 ± 0.4 was normal for agricultural soils. Aggregate stability index was poor (0.27 ± 0.05). Phosphorus concentrations were 124±53 mg/kg and strongly correlated with calcium, suggesting the use of a calcium phosphate fertilizer. Microbial genetic diversity (n=12), calculated at class level, had a Shannon index of 3.02±0.15 for prokaryotes 0.43 for fungi, indicating relatively low diversity, especially for fungi. Bacilli, Alphaproteobacteria, Actinomycetes, and Betaproteobacteria were the dominant classes of prokaryotes and Sordariomycetes was the most dominant class of fungi. Overall, the soil indicators suggest relatively low soil heath, as healthy Entsiols should have ASI > 0.50, a diverse microbial community with a Shannon index above 3.0, balanced nutrient availability, and SOC greater than 10 mg/kg. The results suggest increased use of regenerative methods such as cover crops, reduced tillage, and residue retention would improve soil health.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 58, No. 1, 2026

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