Full proposal can be read here
There is already a soil survey available for the Happy Valley agricultural region of which this farm is a part (Gov. of NL, 2002). This soil survey indicates that the farm is almost entirely situated on what is considered prime agricultural farmland (class A1) for crops grown in this region (e.g. potatoes). The soil type is listed as a Churchill River soil series (Appendix Figure 4), which is described as a humo-ferric podzol with minimal stones, likely river deposits in a floodplain (fluvial), often containing immature forest resultant from burning/logging if not farmed. Given the sandy loam texture and its location on a fluvial terrace, it is likely that it drains quickly (occasional drought is indicated) but may have some standing water dependent on the depth of the water table and the close proximity of the river (note drainage pond in Fig. 4). A history of the farm would help to understand these dynamics in preparation for conducting tests in situ.
We would expect that, based on the description of this soil series, we will find between 0.5 and 1.5% organic matter (likely lower for agricultural fields than forests) with some Fe and Al availability; pH is likely close to neutral at 0-15 cm depth, and lower at 15-30 cm depth. Thus, pH and micronutrient tests would be appropriate. Likewise, given the agricultural nature of these fields and podzolic processes, testing for various cations (Ca/Mg/K/Na) would be prudent. As animal operations are common in boreal regions, knowing the K/Mg ratio would indicate suitability for healthy dairy cows. Finally, determining the carbon content of the site and assessing the “as-is” microbial activity would help to characterize the health of the fields prior to more detailed analysis of microbial communities.
This site, due to its fluvial origin, will potentially be highly variable. This would argue for a grid pattern of sampling, but with sensitivity to anthropogenic modifications by farming. It is clear that, while a perfect grid may work well for the mostly forested and relatively distinct sections of the northern half of the farm, it will be insufficient for the southern half, where it is likely that anthropogenic effects from farming could outweigh many natural associations in causing variability. Therefore, it is prudent to first perform an assessment of the different groupings of the southern half through two means. First we should perform a basic topography, compaction and textural analysis of the land to ascertain any highly variable areas. Spot assessments of horizonation will allow for an initial assessment of uniformity and depth.
