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Restoring soil health
Restoring soil health
Soil Sample Sites:
Soil Sample Sites:
Our Madrona Marsh soil sample sites feature native coastal prairie (B1 and B2) and freshwater wetlands (B3 and B4), which serve as a crucial sanctuary for diverse plant life, migratory birds, and small wildlife. It consists of seasonal vernal pools in the southwest portion of the reserve in a low-lying, self-contained depression surrounded by upland coastal prairie habitat.
Our Madrona Marsh soil sample sites feature native coastal prairie (B1 and B2) and freshwater wetlands (B3 and B4), which serve as a crucial sanctuary for diverse plant life, migratory birds, and small wildlife. It consists of seasonal vernal pools in the southwest portion of the reserve in a low-lying, self-contained depression surrounded by upland coastal prairie habitat.
Site B1: Coastal Prairie
Site B2: Upland Prairie
Site B3: Vernal Pool
Site B4: Wetland Freshwater Marsh
How healthy is the soil at Madrona Marsh Nature Preserve?
How healthy is the soil at Madrona Marsh Nature Preserve?
ACTIVITY 3: Create a visual chart describing the habitat and research-based restorative actions to improve the soil (please include reference citations from your own research review) for each sampled site: B1 (coastal prairie), B2 (upland prairie), B3 (vernal pool), and B4 (freshwater marsh). Upload a digital copy of your chart below.
ACTIVITY 3: Create a visual chart describing the habitat and research-based restorative actions to improve the soil (please include reference citations from your own research review) for each sampled site: B1 (coastal prairie), B2 (upland prairie), B3 (vernal pool), and B4 (freshwater marsh). Upload a digital copy of your chart below.
An example of a research article summary is provided below. GAIA student scientists are best advised to conduct a research review on Google Scholar or an accessible research database to complete this task.
An example of a research article summary is provided below. GAIA student scientists are best advised to conduct a research review on Google Scholar or an accessible research database to complete this task.
Sample Research Article to inform your analysis
Sample Research Article to inform your analysis
Accelerating the restoration of vegetation in a southern California salt marsh
Accelerating the restoration of vegetation in a southern California salt marsh
Erin L O’Brien, Joy B Zedler
Erin L O’Brien, Joy B Zedler
Wetlands Ecology and Management 14 (3), 269-286, 2006
Wetlands Ecology and Management 14 (3), 269-286, 2006
Summary Abstract: Re-establishing plant cover is essential for restoring ecosystem functions, but revegetation can be difficult in severe sites, such as salt marshes that experience hypersalinity and sedimentation. We tested three treatments (adding tidal creeks, planting seedlings in tight clusters, and rototilling kelp compost into the soil) in a site that was excavated to reinstate tidal flows and restore salt marsh. The magnitude of responses was the reverse of expectations, with tidal creeks having the least effect and kelp compost the most. On the marsh plain, kelp compost significantly increased soil organic matter (by 17% at 0–5 cm; p = 0.026 and 11.5% at 5–20 cm; p = 0.083), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (45% at 5–8 cm; p < 0.001) and inorganic nitrogen (35% at 5–8 cm; p < 0.006), and decreased bulk density (16% at 0–5 cm; p < 0.001 and 21% at 5–8 cm depth; p < 0.001) compared to control plots. Survivorship of kelp compost treated plantings increased, along with growth (> 50% increase in a growth index at 20 months after planting; p < 0.0001). In Spartina foliosa plots, kelp compost did not affect soil organic matter, but plants were taller (by ~11 cm; p = 0.003) and denser (47% more stems; p = 0.003). Planting seedlings 10-cm apart in tight clusters on the marsh plain increased survivorship by 18% (compared to 90-cm apart in loose clusters; p = 0.053), but not growth. Tidal creek networks increased survivorship of Batis maritima and Jaumea carnosa by ≥20% (p = 0.060 and 0.077, respectively). Kelp compost had a strong, positive influence on vegetation establishment by ameliorating some of the abiotic stress.
Summary Abstract: Re-establishing plant cover is essential for restoring ecosystem functions, but revegetation can be difficult in severe sites, such as salt marshes that experience hypersalinity and sedimentation. We tested three treatments (adding tidal creeks, planting seedlings in tight clusters, and rototilling kelp compost into the soil) in a site that was excavated to reinstate tidal flows and restore salt marsh. The magnitude of responses was the reverse of expectations, with tidal creeks having the least effect and kelp compost the most. On the marsh plain, kelp compost significantly increased soil organic matter (by 17% at 0–5 cm; p = 0.026 and 11.5% at 5–20 cm; p = 0.083), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (45% at 5–8 cm; p < 0.001) and inorganic nitrogen (35% at 5–8 cm; p < 0.006), and decreased bulk density (16% at 0–5 cm; p < 0.001 and 21% at 5–8 cm depth; p < 0.001) compared to control plots. Survivorship of kelp compost treated plantings increased, along with growth (> 50% increase in a growth index at 20 months after planting; p < 0.0001). In Spartina foliosa plots, kelp compost did not affect soil organic matter, but plants were taller (by ~11 cm; p = 0.003) and denser (47% more stems; p = 0.003). Planting seedlings 10-cm apart in tight clusters on the marsh plain increased survivorship by 18% (compared to 90-cm apart in loose clusters; p = 0.053), but not growth. Tidal creek networks increased survivorship of Batis maritima and Jaumea carnosa by ≥20% (p = 0.060 and 0.077, respectively). Kelp compost had a strong, positive influence on vegetation establishment by ameliorating some of the abiotic stress.
2026 Soil Test Results
2026 Soil Test Results
Path Soil (Control):
Path Soil (Control):
B1: Coastal Prairie
B1: Coastal Prairie
B2: Upland Prairie
B2: Upland Prairie
B3: Vernal pool
B3: Vernal pool
B4: Freshwater Marsh
B4: Freshwater Marsh
Optimal prairie soil is characterized by high organic matter (typically >6% in topsoil), a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.5), and a deep, well-drained structure. Ideal nutrient levels include high plant-available phosphorus (>15–20 ppm Olsen), adequate nitrogen (7–8 ppm nitrate), high potassium, and a base saturation of 65–75% Calcium
Optimal prairie soil is characterized by high organic matter (typically >6% in topsoil), a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.5), and a deep, well-drained structure. Ideal nutrient levels include high plant-available phosphorus (>15–20 ppm Olsen), adequate nitrogen (7–8 ppm nitrate), high potassium, and a base saturation of 65–75% Calcium
Key Nutrient Measures for Optimal Prairie Soils
Soil Organic Matter (SOM): Generally ranges between 3–10%, with over 6% being excellent, providing essential carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur.
Nitrogen (N): ~7-8 parts per million (ppm) of nitrate is often sufficient, but levels vary heavily.
Phosphorus (P): 15-20+ ppm (Olsen P method) in the top 6 inches is ideal to avoid deficiencies.
Potassium (K): Generally high in prairie soils; >150 ppm is considered good for most crops.
Sulphur (S): >0.24% is ideal; frequently measured in top 0-6 or 6-12 inches.
pH & Base Saturation: Optimal soil pH is 6.0–7.5. Ideal base saturation includes 65–75% Calcium and 10–18% Magnesium.
Micronutrients: Zinc (>14 ppm) is a key micronutrient to monitor in prairie soils.
Optimal vernal pool soils are typically characterized by low-nutrient, high-organic, and poorly drained substrates that support specialized, rare flora. Essential soil measures include high organic matter (accumulated C and N), low pH (often 4–5), a clay/silt-rich texture to maintain, and high microbial biomass carbon. These areas require low nutrient input to prevent invasive plant dominance
Optimal vernal pool soils are typically characterized by low-nutrient, high-organic, and poorly drained substrates that support specialized, rare flora. Essential soil measures include high organic matter (accumulated C and N), low pH (often 4–5), a clay/silt-rich texture to maintain, and high microbial biomass carbon. These areas require low nutrient input to prevent invasive plant dominance
Key Soil Nutrient and Physical Parameters
Soil Texture: Clay and silt are critical to create a slow-permeability layer for water retention.
Organic Carbon (C) and Nitrogen (N): Vernal pools tend to accumulate total organic carbon (TOC) and nitrogen at the bottom, with concentrations often decreasing with depth.
pH Levels: Soils are generally acidic, with typical pH levels between 4 and 5, which limits nutrient availability and supports specialized species.
Microbial Biomass: Measuring carbon microbial biomass per gram of dry soil is crucial for assessing soil health and biotic responses.
Nutrient Load Management: Optimal soils are low in phosphorus and potassium. Excess nutrients, often from runoff, can trigger non-native plant invasion and decrease native diversity.
Any questions or suggestions? Please let contact us at: info@teachme.foundation
Any questions or suggestions? Please let contact us at: info@teachme.foundation
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