STATION BULLETIN 299
MAY 1932
Soils of Chehalis Series
and Their Utilization
Agricultural Experiment Station
Oregon State Agricultural College
CORVALLIS
SUMMARY
Chehalis soil series is the most extensive and representative of
the recent stream-bottom group of Willamette Valley lands and
includes nearly 200,000 acres.
Chehalis loam weighs about 84 pounds per cubic foot and has a
usable water capacity of approximately 1.80 inches per acre foot.
These recent soils are nearly neutral in reaction and corn-
-
paratively well supplied with bases such as calcium and potassium.
The nitrogen content is only moderate, and crop rotation with legumes is of paramount importance in improving fertility of these
soils. The total sulfur content is low.
Early spring application of calcium sulfate (gypsum) at the
rate of 125 pounds an acre has been found to provide more favorable concentrations of sulfate and of calcium for legumes during a
critical period of growth.
continued use of sulfur without liming tends to increase soil
acidity and to deplete the soil of nearly available or exchange bases
such as calcium and potassium.
On soils of Chehalis series supplemental irrigation is highly
desirable for at least a portion of each farm and should increase
yields 60 to 100 percent. Winter grain does not need irrigation, yet
a new clover stand may be saved by it. Water can generally be
-
obtained from surface sources or wells of moderate depth.
Where fluctuations in water level occur, the deep-well turbine
type of pump is desirable as the power unit can be placed at the top
of the drive shaft above the high-water line.
Where the surface is smooth, water may be distributed by strip
borders or furrows. Where slightly rolling, water may be distributed
to intensive crops with sprinklers or portable pipe. One to two acre
feet per season appears to be needed.
I
Water should be measured and applied according to the waterretaining capacity of the soil within the crop root zone. Crop rotation and manuring or cover crbpping are important for keeping up
water capacity and fertility and increasing efficiency of water per
unit crop.
Precautions may be required in clearing or cultivation of cxposed areas to avoid damage from erosion during high water.
-
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Introduction
5
Physical Characteristics
5
Chemical Characteristics
7
Exchange Bases
Comparison of Composition of Soil and Its Colloid
Soluble and Replaceable Calcium in Chehalis Fine Sandy Loam
Effect of Fertilizer and Supplemental Irrigation on Chehalis Soil
9
Barley
9
10
11
Sulfur vs. Gypsum
12
Effect of Fertilizer and Irrigation on Chehalis Soil Potatoes
Supplemental Irrigation
14
14
Effect of Irrigation on Small Fruits
Irrigation Fundamentals
17
Utilization and Maintenance of Soils of Chehalis Series
18
17
4
AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETIN 299
RELATION OF
CLA$S
TO FIELDMOISTURE
CAPAC ITY
S how iig
variations
in wiltin
coeffic-
j7JL.PI
JI'I
02% moisture
d
Horizontal &
vertical
scale.
* Usable
fieldmoisture
capacity.
ient and
import-
ant
moist
u.re
po in
Oven Dig
Satura ion Point"
MuoX & Pea
Usable Water Capacity f
Moisture Equivalent Excess
Coefficient
Point
Range Wilting Coefficient
Hygoscopic
Figure 1. Relation of soil class to field moisture capacity. Relations are not strictly linear for
coarse soils. (From SoG Sci. 14:163.)
Soils of Chehalis Series and
Their Utilization
By
W. L. POWERS and C. V. RUzEK*
INTRODUCTION
soil series occurs as smooth or slightly undulating, brown-
CHEHALIS
colored land of the river bottoms in the Willamette Valley and includes
nearly 200,000 acres. Chehalis is the most extensive and representative
series of the recent alluvial group of soils and includes much of the second
bottoms, as distinguished from the first bottoms with their coarser-textured
subsoils, forming the Newberg series.
The purpose of this bulletin is to present in concise form the accumulated information bearing on characteristics and methods of improvement
for this series of soils. The data herein reported have been compiled from
soil survey, plant house, and laboratory experiments. Type samples were
submitted to the United States Bureau of Chemistry and Soils for many
of the mechanical analyses and to the Oregon Agricultural Experiment
Station, Department of Agricultural Chemistry, for chemical analyses.
The Farm Crops department has cooperated in field operations with the
field crops.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The Chehalis soil series is derived from basaltic alluvial materials deposited so recently that it has undergone little modification in profile since
deposition. These are largely second-bottom soils and are occasionally
inundated by backwater from the river. They are distinguished from the
Newberg series of t1ie first bottom by having smoother topography and
finer-textured subsoils. Chehalis series, as mapped, includes soil types
ranging in texture from fine sandy loam to silty clay loam. The surface
soils of this series are brown or even rich brown in color when wet, while
the subsoils are lighter brown or yellowish brown and only slightly compact. The soils of this series are of good productiveness and have good
natural drainage except for occasional overflows in winter, which do not
injure dormant crops, such as alfalfa. Grain, vetch, clover, pasture, Jerusalem artichokes, potatoes, corn, walnuts, and cherries do well on the heavier
types of the Chehalis series, while alfalfa, hops, peaches, the same row
crops, and early truck crops and small fruits thrive on the free-working
types.
Chehalis loam on the East College Farm fertility plots has a weight
of approximately 84 pounds per cubic foot and a range of usable moisture
The authors are indebted to Professors J. S. Jones, Agricultural Chemist, G. R. Hyslop,
Agronomist in Charge, and F. E. Price, Agricultural Engineer, for reviewing the material
herein and giving helpful suggestions.
S
6
AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETIN 299
from the wilting point of about 12 percent to the excess point of 26 percent. Under actual field conditions, the usable field capacity is slightly less
from 13 percent minimum to 24 percent maximum field capacity, or 11
percent usable moisture. Taking 11 percent of 84 pounds gives 9 pounds
or approximately 1.8 acre inches per acre foot (see Figure 1). The usable
field moisture capacity of the feeding root zone indicates storage capacity for rainfall or irrigation water. Distribution of feeding roots
of alfalfa is shown in Figure 2. This soil takes up water readily, handles
DISTRIBUTION OF FEEDING ROOTS OF
o,.
z
'
ALFALFA IN FINE SANDY LOAM SOIL IN
IMPERIAL VALLEY. NO WATER TABLE WITHIN
15 FT. OF GROUND SURFACE.
!
U
.
WEIGHT OF ROOTS IN GRAMS
310
2t
to
oi
to
2O
5
")
*
,O
26.93
1
43.10
2
7.1
.04
.03
7
4J1z.i
8
4iz
.01
978
.004
71
Figure 2. Distribution of feeding roots of alfalfa. (After California Station Bulletin 284)
nicely under irrigation, and is fairly retentive of moisture. Studies of the
colloid content of a sample classed as fine sandy loam show for the first
horizon 22.8 percent colloid or ultra-fine clay, for the second 25.7 percent,
and for the third or C horizon 25.1 percent. This colloidal fraction has
great absorptiveness for moisture and adsorptiveness for nutrient bases,
such as calcium, and may be regarded as the seat of the life of the soil. The
mechanical analyses of soils from several counties in the Willamette
Valley are presented in Table I.
Five textural types of Chehalis soil are represent d in the summary of
physical analyses given in Table I. Frequently two or three counties are
represented in the type analyses given. The variety of textural types
7
SOILS OF CHEHALIS SERIES
TABLE I. PHYSICAL COMPOSITION OF CHEHALIS SOILS
County
Chehalis Fine
Sandy Loam
Bent on
Polk
Yan,h ill
Chehalis Loam
Washington
Claokamas
Linn
Soil
depth
Clay Loam
Washington
Silty Clay Loam
Benton
mm.
Very
fine
Coarse Medium Fine
sand
sand
sand
sand
1 to S .5 to .25 .25 to 1 .1 to .05
mm.
mm.
Jnchej
mm.
Clay
005 to 0
mom.
Silt
.05 to
.005
mm.
14.8
10.6
14.9
mm.
%
12.5
5.7
42.0
31.6
12.8
17.0
27.5
.1
6.5
.6
54.3
17.7
14.3
23.8
42.3
8.1
15.1
0.1
.0
1.1
.1
2.8
3.6
49.0
56.0
21.5
19.3
18.7
12.9
6.7
7.0
Soil
Subsoil
3.2
1.0
12.4
5.1
5.8
3.2
20.0
10.8
11.6
14.2
34.6
48.5
13.0
16.7
1.7
3.2
2.0
4.8
14.2
8.6
17.1
17.7
42.9
44.7
20.9
21.1
25.0
27.0
31.1
13.4
16.0
13.7
35.5
32.0
27.5
16.8
14.8
10.0
13.4
0-10
12-36
0.2
7.1
.1
3.2
0-15
0.1
.0
1.2
18-3 6
Soil
Subsoil
15.9
0-12
1.2
12-36
.0
0-6
6-12
12-36
0.4
.5
.4
4.6
4.8
7.1
4.2
4.9
9.6
0.1
0.5
0.4
.0
2
.3
8.1
7.8
24.9
32.5
52.7
45-7
.0
.0
.0
0.2
.0
.0
.0
2.8
16.1
.2
8.1
5.8
24.5
16.5
62.1
52.8
55.5
22.0
Soil
Subsoil
0.8
4.1
2.4
2.9
2.2
12.0
8.0
18.2
14.9
42.8
47.8
29.9
24.2
0-18
18-36
0.0
.0
0.3
.8
0.4
1.7
5.0
8.2
11.2
11.9
53.8
43.6
29.4
33.8
Chehalis Silt Loam
Washington
Soil
Subsoil
Benton
Fine
gravel
2 to 1
0-10
10-18
18-36
13.5
18.8
14.4
included in this series ranging from rather light to somewhat heavy affords
choice of land suitable for early as well as late crops.
CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The total nutrient elements contained in Chehalis soils determined
from official samples collected in connection with the detailed soil survey
and analyzed by the Department of Agricultural Chemistry are indicated
in Table Li, which is arranged to show the chemical composition by
textural types and county groupings.
Soils of Chehalis series, being of recent origin, have been only slightly
leached and are still comparatively well supplied with bases such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium. The total supply is given irC pounds per
two million of soil, which is the approximate weight of an acre of field soil
to plow depth. One-tenth percent is equivalent to two thousand pounds to
plow depth. The supply of nitrogen is somewhat variable and tends to
increase with the finer-textured types. This nitrogen supply will vary
AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETIN 299
8
TABLE II. CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF CHEHALIS SOIL SERIES
(POUNDS PER TWO MILLION)
urn
Calcium
Magnesium
Inches
Lb.
0-12
12.36
0-18
18-36
14000
17600
25800
27000
Lb.
51600
40000
Lb.
25800
22600
loam
0-14
loam
Vamhill
Counts and
soil
Washington
Loam
Loam
Silt loam
Sift loam
Silty clay
Silty clay
Fine sandy
loam
Fine sandy
loam
Silt loam
Depth
Potassi-
Phos-
phorus
Lb.
Sulfur
Lb.
2400
18800
7800
11200
1520
520
21800
30200
18600
1740
14-36
21000
21600
21400
1380
0-20
22200
58200
9400
980
Lb.
3980
2380
4000
1520
1040
22600
Nitrogen
140
3100
1380
162
940
1400
20-36
22400
25800
58000
15000
8000
14000
680
1140
0-7
19000
46200
34600
1944
152
1920
1860
2900
Polk
Sandy loam
Fine sandy
loam
Silt loam
Silty clay
loam
0-7
0-7
21000
18000
45400
36600
19000
13800
2260
2200
278
406
0-7
34400
14800
11400
2120
398
4320
0-8
57400
57800
48000
40600
25800
25000
20200
1800
1540
0-8
8-42
17800
17800
17000
18400
18500
1980
520
400
500
760
2400
2080
3080
2600
0-8
13200
27600
11600
1660
980
5480
760
3320
5160
.farion
Loam
Loam
Silt loam
Silt loam
Silty clay
foam
Silty clay
loam
9enkin
Sandy loam
Loam
Silt loam
Silty clay
0.15
2100
8-48
11400
23400
10100
1400
0-10
0-18
0-11
21000
20000
16200
52800
41800
49800
9800
5400
17800
1700
2820
2360
700
720
460
1380
2760
3400
loam
.inn
Loam
Silt loam
0-18
28800
17600
9400
2880
440
2960
0-6
0-10
21400
10000
29400
40000
9400
14000
1380
1600
240
320
2600
3600
loam
0-10
18000
18400
6800
7200
170
7400
loam
0-9
15520
50600
18700
2180
440
3100
loam
Loam
Loam
Silt loam
9-44
0.10
10-50
0-10
10-40
14360
14500
14740
16220
15140
51480
42160
36520
58720
46520
22900
21220
2200
5320
480
220
2860
2960
13400
24760
15820
1800
1200
2380
2340
140
360
320
0-10
18340
34840
16820
2460
S20
3360
Silty clay
ane
Fine sandy
Fine sandy
Silt loam
Silty clay
loam
3220
3120
with vegetation as well as crops previously grown. The nitrogen content
indicates only a moderate supply of organic matter and suggests the importance of crop rotation with legumes. For maintaining the nitrogen and
humus supply legumes are easily grown on this nearly neutral soil.
SOILS OF CHEHALIS SERIES
9
The total sulfur content of the soils of Chehalis series, in common with
some other soils of the region, is relatively low, ranging from 500 pounds
to as low as 140 pounds an acre to plow depth. The limited supply suggests
an early need of replenishment.
The phosphorus content of this soil tends to increase as we go to the
finer-textured soils. It is on the whole of relatively moderate amount, indicating need for replenishment under continued cropping in establishing a
permanent system of agriculture. Both soil and separated colloids have
been shown by Dr. R. E. Stephenson of this department to have high
retentive capacity for soluble phosphates.
In reaction, Chehalis soils are nearly neutral and show only a slight
lime requirement. The reaction value of samples tested is between pH 5.5
and 7.0. The lime requirement, except for samples in valleys toward the
coast, is usually one-half to one ton an acre.
Exchange bases. The exchangeable calcium, the essential constituent
of lime, in these soils is generally good as indicated by the data presented
in Table III, which contains determinations by Stephenson from samples
of Chehalis fine sandy loam, and its colloid fraction taken from the East
College Farm. Exchange calcium is that form of calcium which is held in
loose electro-chemical union with the ultra.clay or colloidal fraction of the
soil, and which tends to come into solution from one season to another to
replenish the soil solution after exhausting crops. It is a nearly available
form of calcium and other bases.
TABLE Ill. EXCHANGEABLE CALCIUM, CHEHALIS FINE SANDY LOAM
Sample
Reaction value
(pH)
Exchangeable
calcium
5.11
%
0.98
0.89
Chehalis Colloids
Horizon
L
II
III
5.60
6.00
1.07
Proportion of
total calcium
exchangeable
92.5
84.8
99.1
Chehalis Soil
Horizon
I
5.48
1111
5.51
5.51
I
II
.
0.34
0.40
I
0.41
8.3
9.3
10.6
Comparison of composition of soil and its colloid. The base-exchange capacity and friability of a soil are related to the ultimate chemical
composition and particularly the ratio of silicon dioxide to sesqutoxides of
iron and aluminum. A high ratio of silicon dioxide to sesquioxides favors
large base-exchange capacity in a soil. The analyses indicate more of
coarse quartz in the soil than in the colloidal or ultra.clay fraction. The
ratio has been computed and is 3.57 for the soil and 2.11 of silicon dioxide to
one of sesquioxides for the colloidal fraction of the soil. The ratio of calcium oxide to sesquioxides for the soil is 3.98 and for its colloid fraction
is .84, indicating that considerable calcium is tied up in the silicate minerals
in the soil.
10
AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETIN 299
TABLE IV. COMPARISON OF CHEHALIS FINE SANDY LOAM SOIL
AND ITS COLLOIDAL FRACTION
Sample and
horizon
Silicon
dioxide
Organic
matter
(SiOi)
%
Soil
I
II
(Al203)
Iron
sesQuioxlde
(FesOs)
Calcium
oxide
CaO
%
5.77
6.00
5.38
%
%
1.99
2.09
III
Aluminum
sesquioxide
1.25
55.64
55.12
55.63
21.08
22.87
20.49
8.37
8.28
9.09
3.72
3.60
2.40
40.01
38.37
41.21
24.80
23.39
25.01
11.37
10.48
12.00
1.48
1.48
4.02
43.34
26.83
10.70
1.05
Colloid
I
II
III
1.51
Average of
45 soilsBureau of
Soils (10)
Soluble and replaceable calcium in Chehalis fine sandy loam. A
study was made by Mr. Harold Larson in the Soils laboratories of this
Station of the water-soluble calcium in Chehalis fine sandy loam periodically throughout the growing season.
TABLE V. SOLUBLE AND REPLACEABLE CALCIUM IN CHEHALIS FINE
SANDY LOAM (PARTS PER MILLION)
Replaceable calcium
Water-soluble calcium
Treatnient
Fallow
Cropped
Mar. 28 May 7 June 18 July29 Sept. 10
Mar. 28
Sept. tO
Ppm.
P.prni.
P.p.m.
Ppm.
Ppm.
34
50
20
35
2886
3360
3157
3551
18
Ppm. P.p.m.
24
22
27
24
37
The figures in Table V, obtained in connection with part of this study
relating to Chehalis soil, indicate a rather low supply of water-soluble
calcium, although there is a good supply of total and of replaceable calci-
um. ConcentrBtion studies under the controlled conditions of a greenhouse
indicate that for good growth of alfalfa at least 32 parts per million of
water-soluble calcium is needed and that a minimum concentration for fair
growth of legumes is about 16 parts per million. It appears that the con-
centration of available calcium may be unfavorably low in these soils,
especially at the beginning of the growing season just after the season of
leaching by heavy winter rains or overflow. Calcium sulfate provides a
more favorable concentration of sulfate and of calcium early in the growing season when young legumes seem to have a maximum requirement for
these nutrients. Analyses of soils from a plot receiving sulfur at the rate
of 50 pounds a year for five years and also from a plot receiving 100 pounds
of gypsum a year for five years, compared to that of an untreated plot,
show that these elements operate to increase the concentration of watersoluble calcium and sulfate. Preliminary data also indicate the tendency
for continued use of sulfur to decrease the exchangeable calcium and perhaps potassium in this Chehalis soil. Without treatment a supply of
exchange calcium after five years was 2,200 pounds per acre to plow depth.
With annual treatment it was 1,910 pounds.
SOILS OF CHEHALIS SERIES
11
TABLE VI. FERTILIZER AND IRRIGATION EXPERIMENT, EAST FARM,
STARTED SPRING 1927
Yield of Barley per Acre
1927
Plot
Treatment
Check
200 lb. superphosphate, 6 T.
manure, 1 T. lime
200 lb. superphosphate, 6 T.
2
3
manure
200 lb. superphosphate
Check
4
5
6
muriate of potash
Check
250 lb. gypsum
12
50 lb. sulfur, 200 lb. lime
50 lb. sulfur
13
CheckS
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
1928
1929
1930
1931
Ru.
Bu.
Bit.
Bu.
Bu.
60.41
25.52
29.69
35.9
33.85
66.35
41.97
37.29
68.02 47.39
62.91 39.68
65.00 42.50
33.64
30.73
30.31
100 lb. nitrate of soda, 100 lb
8
11
Dry
Bu.
Artificial manure 6 F.
100 lb. sulfate of potash
Manure, 6 T.
Heavy two 5.inch irrigations
Medium two 4-inch irrigations....
Light two 3-inch irrigations
Dry -Dry
58.43
50.20
5i.60
55.21
52.81
46.66
48.02
48.43
40.00
32.60
33.54
30.21
23.33
27.81
52.29
43.02
38.85
35.52
35.73
33.85
38.64
38.9.
36.9
Not
kept
sepa-
rate
5 yr. Ave.
8u.
37.2
39.4
63.9
47.39 52.1
53.4
59.9
65.5
58.0
54.17
39.27
34.79
54.5
52.7
77.6
54.0
50.2
53.1
67.3
51.87
67.5
58.7
51.1
43.44
57.5
46.9
35.96 66.9
26.34 51.8
28.02 47.1
31.25 37.3
32.60 40.2
31.46 49.2
2.39 37.2
6.14 40.3
30.41 42.6
30.41 48.7
22.81 48.8
34.79 54.9
.9.l7 50.0
30.00 67.7
52.92
35.00
32.50
29.90
52.8
44.7
55.5
62.5
61.4
63.5
57.8
41.0
54.1
39.5
46.8
59.7
52.6
55.2
53.4
41.6
43.1
43.2
45.9
45.8
43.3
37.8
41.2
38.3
100 lb. treble phosphate, 100 lb.
nitrate, 100 lb. muriate
of potash
71.77 43.23 34.89
100 lb. treble phosphate, 100 lb
muriate of potash
58.33 40.10 24.17
7
9
10
Irri.
gated
42.29
38.23
41.56
33.33
39.06
40.30
39.06
34.58
35.62
38.02
38.2
42.8
38.1
43.7
EFFECT OF FERTILIZER AND SUPPLEMENTAL
IRRIGATION ON CHEHALIS SOIL BARLEY
A fertilizer and irrigation experiment was. initiated in the spring
of 1927 on Chehalis silt loam of the East College Farm, having four ranges
of 21 fifth-acre plots with treatments as indicated in Table VI. The four
ranges permit a crop rotation to be practiced, including barley, clover, and
potatoes. The fertilizer experiment includes tests of the value of important fertilizer constituents when used alone and in combination, as well as
several untreated or check plots used for controls. Plots 9 to 13 afford a
comparison of supplying sulfur in elemental form and supplying it in like
amount in the form of calcium sulfate or gypsum and also in the form of
elemental sulfur and ground limestone to supply the same amount of
calcium as contained in gypsum. Plots 17 to 20 are arranged to determine
the value of different amounts of supplemental irrigation. The amounts of
water and fertilizer used are indicated in the table. A five-year average
indicates that complete fertilizer as used on Plot 6 may be expected to
result in a maximum grain yield. Good returns have been realized from
manure and artificial manure used alone, or manure used in combination
with superphosphate. Lime does not seem to be needed as yet on this type
of soil.
12
AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETIN 299
L
Figure 3. Untreated clover on Chehalis soil.
SULFUR VS. GYPSUM
Legumes are heavy users of calcium and sulfur. Clover is therefore a good indicator of the value of sulfur carriers. In Table VII
it appears that during the first five years of this experiment, sulfur
has increased the yield of clover seed and of hay slightly more than
has the combined form, calcium sulfate. Sulfur has a higher solubility
effect than calcium sulfate, but in the long run may be expected to result
in an unfavorable accumulation of acidity. If it should release the bases
in excess of plant need, it may hasten their exhaustion. It is therefore
believed that the combined form, calcium sulfate, can be more safely used
in meeting the sulfate and calcium requirements of humid soils, which tend
to become acid. A combination of sulfur with lime adequate to provide
an excess of base in the mixture would give a concentrated supply of both
sulfur and calcium, and in the long run may prove more economical than
Figure 4. Effect of sulfate on clover grown on Chehalis soil.
SOILS OF CHEHALIS SERIES
13
the use of gypsum (calcium sulfate), provided a good grade of ground
limestone can be readily secured on the market.
On the same experiment field over a six-year period the increase from
the calcium sulfate and from sulfur has been similar where used in field
TABLE Vii. FERTILIZER AND IRRIGATION EXPERIMENT, EAST FARM,
STARTED SPRING, 1927
Yield of clover
1928
1929
1930
I)
C)
C)
it
a
St
Plot
1931
-V
ui"a
ii
r)
Treatment
flu.
Bu.
Bit.
Bit.
Bu.
Eu.
Check
2.75
.66
.91
.57
.46
1.07
6
100 lb. treble phosphate, 100 lb.
.54
.84
.79
1.05
1.50
1.84
1.66
1.85
200 lb. superphosphate
3.06
6.25
6.25
2.91
1.21
4
5
2.17
5.25
3.62
.42
1.16
1.82
1,25
2.32
3.20
2.05
.75
1.44
4.04
1.92
2.04
1.17
2.18
3.12
1.82
2.07
.83
.83
1.25
1.83
1.90
2.25
2.65
3.87
2.58
3.50
2.17
1.58
3.75
2.40
3.08
2.17
2.12
3.29
2.80
2.25
2.08
2.01
1.67
2.10
3.68
3.47
2
7
8
200 lb. superphosphate, 6 T. manure,
I T. lime
200 lb. superphosphate, 6 T. manure
Check
nitrate, 100 lb. potassium chloride
100 lb. treble phosphate, 100 lb. muri
ate of potash
100 lb. nitrate of soda, 100 lb. mum
ate of potash
Check
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
250 lb. gypsum
50 lb. sulfur, 200 lb. lime
50 lb. sulfur
Check
Artificial ,nanure, 6 T
100 lb. sulfate of potash
Manure, 6 T. Heavy two 5-inch irrigations
Medium two 4-inch irrigations
Light two 3.inch irrigations
Dry
Dry
Average of 4 checks
3.00
2.50
7.75
7.00
8.75
6.33
3.75
7.75
5.16
7.41
9.00
8.33
6.83
7.50
3.62
2.46
1.92
1.42
1.58
1.66
1.25
2.25
1.58
.83
1.00
1.52
2.87
3.04
3.45
3.16
4.02
2.99
2.86
1.84
2.01
1.55
1.15
2.36
2.50
2.50
3.17
2.25
2.42
2.75
1.33
1.67
3.92
4.58
2.92
1.92
1.40
1.52
4.21
3-34
2.43
3.74
2.48
3.08
3.78
3.55
3.47
3.30
2.14
crops experiments on alfalfa. A six-year average increase of as much as 1.4
tons has been obtained. in these experiments it has been shown advantageous to apply sulfur carriers early in the spring. One hundred and
twenty-five pounds of gypsum applied early in March should meet the
sulfur and calcium needs of a maximum alfalfa crop or clover crop on this
type of soil. Initial applications of fertilizer may be heavier and subsequent
treatments lighter as the deficiency is overcome and the nutrient-supplying
power of the soil built up. Light annual applications seem advisable under
our humid climate and especially with land subject to overflow. The reno-
vation or harrowing will hasten the action of fertilizer applied and on
meadows should result in cleaner high-grade hay. It has been shown that
sulfates increase the protein content of legumes.
in some cases where clover has failed, a crop of beans or vetch has
been substituted. The yields of these crops show trends similar to those
shown by the legumes discussed above, and are not included herein.
14
AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETIN 299
EFFECT OF FERTILIZER AND IRRIGATION ON
CHEHALIS SOIL POTATOES
Results from use of fertilizers on potatoes on Chehalis loam are as yet
inconclusive. Some indications of benefit are to be noted for artificial
manure, phosphate, potash, and nitrate. Water has been more definitely
effective. Three irrigations of four inches each, or a total of 12 inches for
the season, appears to be the most economic irrigation treatment used.
TABLE VIII. FERTILIZER AND IRRIGATION EXPERIMENT, EAST FARM,
STARTED SPRING, 1927
Yield of potatoes per acre
5-yr.
Plot
I
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
Treatment
Check
200 lb. superphosphate, 6 T. manure,
1 T. lime
200 lb. superphosphate, 6 T. manure
200 lb. superphosphate
Check
1927
1928
Ba.
Ba.
76.2 277.2
1929
1930
1931
average
Ba.
Ba.
Ba.
Ba.
118.1
278.74
109.2
171.9
260.41 226.2
275.92 187.9
233.66 193.7
325.66 171.6
230.7
233.0
220.6
218.8
75.8 407.8
145.2 335.2 221.0
199.2 320.3 156.1
189.2 259.7 147.7
183.5
100 lb. treble phosphate, 100 lb. nitrate
219.5 252.5 144.5 332.25 218.4
100 lb. potassium chloride
100 lb. treble phosphate, 100 lb. niuriate
144.7 260.2 142.2 317.75 214.5
of potash 100 lb. nitrate of soda, 100 lb. muriate
191.7 325.8 228.6 314.75 258.1
of potash
Check
250 lb. gypsum
50 lb. sulfur, 200 lb. lime
50 lb. sulfur
Check
Artificial manure (straw)
100 lb. sulfate of potash
Manure
Heavy two 5-inch irrigations
Medium three 4-inch irrigations
Light two 4-inch irrigations
Dry
Dry
Average of 4 checks
166.3 314.2
220.2 290.3
189.5 274.5
163.4 255.0
208.0 295.2
250.0 248.3
208.2 234.3
254.7 282.5
175.1 251.5
164.6 239.2
205.6 160.0
199.2 162.8
118.1 127.3
159.9 286.6
217.4
236.5
256.1
256.9
210.6 267.00 252.0
223.1 312.33 298.7
182.4 211.50 265.2
177.5 224.41 255.4
203.9 217.41 227.7
229.3 170.83 237.7
193.0
78.08 187.3
71.4
19.91
121.3
61.4
32.75
75.0
187.5
168.7 289.9
198.6
247.9
243.2
244.0
288.42
277.34
300.59
296.41
233.4
215.9
263.8
237.0
254.4
252.8
243.1
246.6
266.5
220.4
238.9
215.1
208.3
164.8
114.9
82.9
218.6
SUPPLEMENTAL IRRIGATION
Supplemental irrigation is highly desirable for at least a portion of
each farm on soils of the Chehalis series. Winter grain does not need irrigation. The stand of new clover may often be saved by it. Water can
generally be obtained from surface sources or wells extended into the
underfiow in the gravelly substratum, which is usually in more or less
remote connection with the rivec. On account of the fluctuation in the
water level a stovepipe type of well casing and a deep-well turbine pump
seems advisable. The power unit, preferably an electric motor, can be
placed at the top of the shaft above the high-water level. The turbine pump
is submerged below the low water and is always primed. Where wells are
SOJLS OF CHEHALIS SERIEs
15
easily developed, it may be easier to install more than one well than to
install long runs of flumes or distribution pipes.
Smoother-lying areas of Chehalis soil may be fitted for surface irrigation. Bottom land is often slightly undulating, however, owing to former
water courses, and may best be watered by sprinkling.
Above:
l
I
*
Figure 5. Direct-connected highspeed centrifugal pumping unit
for spray irrigation system near
Eugene.
j
At right:
Figure 6. Small deep.well turbine,
Yamhill county.
.J
Spray irrigation requires little attendance, is economical in use of
water, and is commonly used for beans, beets, carrots, and other intensive
crops on sandy undulating bottom land where leveling would be costly.
Design of sprinkling systems will vary with water supply, area, and capital
at hand. A high-speed centrifugal pump connected to an electric motor by
a V-belt drive is a desirable type of pumping unit. A li-inch pump and a
5-h.p. motor with vertical lift of approximately 20 feet should deliver some
90 gallons per minute or cubic feet per second under pressure of 35
pounds per square inch and will apply the equivalent of 1 inch of rainfall to
two acres in 10 hours. This will supply 1,800 feet of delivery lines of overhead sprinklers serving approximately two acres at one time. Nozzles are
spaced 4 feet apart and a strip 50 feet wide will be watered from one line.
16
AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETIN 299
The usual-sized nozzle delivers approximately ten gallons per hour. A one-
inch irrigation is usually applied each week or ten days. Some growers
secure second-hand pipe for distributaries or reduce cost by use of portable
overhead lines moved from one set of supports to another. Permanent
pipe lines are placed high enough to permit cross-cultivation. Revolving
Figure 7. Distribution pipe attached to riser in lettuce field.
sprinklers with portable hose may cost $75 to $100 an acre. Average cost
of permanent sprinl<ler outfits on 289 farms in New Jersey is reported as
$450 an acre.
Because of friction loss main lines will vary in. size with length (see
Table X). Pressure at nozzles can be tested with a gauge. A nearly
uniform pressure of 30.to 35 pounds at delivery points is desirable. Nozzles
may be secured which will break the stream into a fine spray. Pipe distributaries will be attached to mains at risers of perhaps 2 inches diameter.
The underground main may be laid to place the risers at the center of
distribution lines. Pipe may be purchased, drilled and tapped for nozzles
or a small machine secured for drilling. Automatic oscillators may be
secured. Pipes should be drained before freezing weather.
Figure 8. Spray irrigation line with oscillator.
SOILS OF CHEHALIS SERIES
17
Meadow crops may be irrigated by means of corrugations or strip
borders and row crops with the furrow method. Temporary flumes or
ditches may be replaced by underground concrete pipe where irrigation is
an established practice.
The increase from irrigation of staple field crops on Chehalis soils
may be expected to run from 50 to 100 percent and the irrigation require-
ment to 12 to 24 inches. Summer-growing crops and intensive crops
respond best to supplemental irrigation.
EFFECT OF IRRIGATION ON SMALL FRUITS
The effect of irrigation on major berry crops grown on Chehalis soil
has been studied in cooperation with the Department of Horticulture and
previously reported.*
Evergreen blackberries produced 69 percent more fruit where irrigated. The net income during the three-year bearing period was more than
three times as much and irrigated vines averaged 30 percent larger, while
the ripening was hastened as a result of irrigation.
Red raspberries with irrigation returned more than double as much
net income and were 7 percent larger than berries grown without irrigation.
Loganberries yielded twice as much fruit the second and third years
from planting and returned an average net profit of $60.26 per acre during
two bearing years, while the non-irrigated fruit sustained an average loss
of $13.64 per acre per year. Irrigated loganberries were 35 percent larger;
the cane growth was greatly increased and canning quality improved.
Black raspberries under conditions of the experiment both irrigated
and unirrigated were produced at a loss. Irrigation increased cane growth,
fruit size and yield, and did not materially affect the quality of canned
black raspberries.
Strawberries of the Marshall variety gave double the net income where
irrigated. Irrigation of Ettersburg 121 did not prove profitable under the
conditions of the experiment. The depth of irrigation per season needed
for small fruits on this soil appears to be 12 to 18 inches.
IRRIGATION FUNDAMENTALS
Aim to raise the moisture content of the root zone to the point of
field moisture capacity and no more (see Figures 1 and 2). Aim to get the
highest possible efficiency per inch of usable water.
One cubic foot per second will irrigate an acre to a depth of one
inch in an hour.
To compute power required to pump 1 cubic foot per second, divide
the total lift, including friction head, by 4.4, with plant efficiency taken at
50 percent. A pressure of 30 pounds per square inch is equivalent to 72
feet head. Friction head will vary with size, length, and rate of flow as
shown in Table IX.
Water is worth more if available at the right time. A plant makes
its maximum demand for moisture when setting and filling its fruit, whether in the orchard, garden, or field.
Efficient use of irrigation water is necessary to successful use of
supplemental irrigation. Crop rotation and the use of barnyard manure
eSchuster, C. E.; Besse, R. S.; Rygg, C. L.; and Powers, W. L. Preliminary Rcpoet on
the Effect of Irrigation on 1l4ajor Berry Crops in the IYillarnette Va/Icy, Oregon Agricultural
Experiment Station Bulletin 277, 1931.
18
AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETIN 299
each rotation will build up and help keep up the water capacity and nutrient-supplying power of the soil and result in a richer, better-balanced soil
solution. Good fertility renders sufficient the least amount of water per
unit of crop produced.
Figure 9. Measuring weir.
UTILIZATION AND MAINTENANCE OF SOILS
OF CHEHALIS SERIES
In clearing and cultivating river-bottom land some caution needs to
be exercised so as not to expose loose stream banks or low areas to the
action of flood water. Planting willows or anchoring trees in the stream
bank may be effective in checking erosion and causing a deposition of silt
so as to make the water restore instead of carrying away fertile soil. Some
diking of higher ground may protect against undesirable periodic inundation with objectionable features such as scattering of weeds. Periodic
inundation has some compensating features, however, such as destruction
of gophers and moles.
Supplemental irrigation will facilitate successful production of soilbuilding legumes and hasten the action of soil-building treatments with
the needed fertilizers. Crop rotation with legumes fertilized with calcium
sulfate and the use of barnyard manure reinforced with superphosphate
will go far toward providing a permanent system of agriculture for the
soils of Chehalis series. Some crops such as potatoes may be found to pay
for judicious use of potassium sulfate, which performs important functions
in the nutrition of this crop. The fertilizer experiments herein described,
if maintained, should help in developing a more complete formula for a
permanent system of agriculture for these lands.
19
SOILS OF CHEHALIS SERIES
TABLE IX. FRICTION IN PIPES. PRESSURE LOST PER 100 FEET OF PIPE.
(To get equivalent feet of head divide pressure by 0.433.)
Size of pipe inside diameter
Flow per minute
1"
Gallons
Lb.
10
16.45
20
30
40
50
60
100
Lb.
5.06 I
18"
18"
2"
25"
3"
Lb.
Lb.
Lb.
Lb.
Lb.
2.89
4.80
0.62
2.23
4.75
8.13
0.22
0.78
1.66
2.85
4.29
6.02
0.26
0.56
0.10
0.23
0.39
0.60
0.85
2.15
10.16
0.95
1.43
2.01
5.51
200
300
400
7.70
I
I
I
38"
4"
5"
6"
Lb.
Lb.
Lb.
Lb.
0.15
0.20
0.53
1.91
4.03
6.91
0.18
0.64
1.36
2.34
0.24
0.55
0.17
0.26
0.38
0.96
3.33
7.70
0.91
TABLE X. SIZE OF PIPE FOR MAIN FEED LINE"
Length of pipe
Water per minute
Gallons
50 ft.
100 ft.
In.
In.
10
20
30
40
1
so
Ii,
60
100
200
300
400
500
18
18
18
2
400 ft.
500 ft.
600 ft.
700 ft.
In.
In.
In.
In.
18
15
15
15
15
15
2
2
2
2
25
2
25
2
2
2
25
2
2
2
2
2
25
25
25
25
25
25
35
200 ft.
300 ft.
In.
In.
1
18
15
2
15
15
3
25
3
3
3
3
31,
4
38
4
38
4
38
4
38
4
4
35
4
5
5
6
6
6
25
4
4
4
5
19
21,
6
6
Frorn Sprinkling irrigation on Vegetable Farms, New Jersey AgrI. Exp. Sta. But.
453, by H. F. Hubert and E. R. Goss. 1927.
See also: Spray irrigation in Eastern States. U. S. Dept. of Agric. But. 1529, by
Ceo. A. Mitchell, 1927. Tests of Spray irrigation Eqzsipsnetit, U. S. Dept. of Agrtc. Ctrc.
195, by F. E. Staebner, 1931.
,-
.tigure 10. Irrigation results in fewer small potatoes. Left, Large and small potatoes tram
irrigated plot. Right, Large and small potatoes from unirrigated plot.
OREGON STATE BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION
Hon. C. L. STARR, President
Portland
Hon. Herman Oliver
Med/ord
Canyon City
Hon. Albert Burch
Hon. C. C. Colt
Portland
The Dalles
Hon. N. C. Pease
Hon. B. F. Irvine
Portland
.Albany
Hon. F. F. Callister
Hon. E. C. Sammons
Portland Hon. Cornelia Marvin Pierce
LaGrande
Dr. E. E. Lindsay, Executive Secretary
Salem
STAFF OF AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
\V. J. Kerr, D.Sc., LL.D
\Vm. A. Schoenfeld, B.S.A., M.B.A
B. S. Besse, M.S
Aldrich, W. W Ass't Horticulturist, Horl.
Crops and Dii., Bureau of Plant Industry
H. P. Barss, S.M...Plant Pathologist in Chg.
F. P. Bailey, M.S...Asso. Pathologist, Insec.
ticide and Fungicide Bd., U.S. D. of A.
F. M. Bolin, D.V.M...Assistant Veterinarian
W. B. Bollen, Ph.D
Ass't Bacteriologist
A. G. Bouquet M.S
Hortscultunst
(Vegetable drops)
P. M. Brandt, A.M Dairy Husbandman in
Charge
E. N. Bressman, Ph.D
Assoc. Agronomist
G. G. Brown, T3.S
Horticulturist, Hood
River Branch Exp. Station, Hood River
V. S. Brawn, P.Sc Horticulturist in Chg.
D. E. Bullis, M.S
Assistant Chemist
A. S. Burner, M.S
Ass't Economist
(F. Mgt.)
J. C. Burtner, T3.S..Asso. Dir., News Service
C. 1). Byrne, M.S
Director, News Service
Leroy Childs, A.B
Superintendent Hood
River Branch Exp. Station, Hood River
Grace M. Cole, A.B
Ass't Botanist Seed
Lab., U.S. Dept. of Agric. (Seed Analyst)
I). Cooter
Orchard Foreman
G. V. Copson, M.S..Bactes'iolo gist in Charge
F. A. Cuthbert, M.L.D
Ass't Landscape
Architect
B. F. Dana. M.S Pathologist, Hort, Crops
and Diseases, U. S. D. of Agric.
M. Darrow, Ph.D
Sr. Pomolo gist in
Charge Small Fruit Inve., Hort. Crops
and Dis., U. S. D. of Agric.
K. Dean, B.S
Supersnt end ent
Umatilla Branch Exp. Station, Hermiston
E. M. Dickinson, D.V.M
Assistant
Poultry Pathologist
W. H. Dreeaen, Ph.D
Ag'! Economist
T. P. Dykstra, M.S
Assistant Plant
Pathologist, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture
- \V. D. Edwards, B.S
Asst. Entomologist
A. E. Engbretson, B.S
Superintendent
John Jacob Astor Br. Es/s Sta., Astoria
F. K. Fox, M.S...Assoc. Poultry Husbandman
L. G. 0. Gentner, M.S Associate Entoniol.
ogsst, So. Ore. Br. Es/s. Station, Talent
D. G. Gillespie, M.S
Asst. Entoinologiot
Hood River Branch Experiment Station
L. N. Goodding BA., B.S Associate Plant
Pathologist, Li. S. Department of Agric.
D. M. Goode, B.A
Associate Editor
K. W. Gray, B.S
Asst. Entomologist
1. R. Haag, Ph.D Chemist (Animal Nutr.)
0. D. Hill, M.S
Associate Agronomist
F. G. Hinnian, M.S
Jr. Entomologist,
Stored Prod. Insects. U S. Dept. of Agric.
G. R. Hoerner, M.S...A gent Office of Drugs
and Related Plants, U. S. D. of A.
C. J. Hurd, B.S
Ass't Ag'! Engineer
R. N. Hutchinson, T3.S
Assistant to Supt.
of Harney Valley Br. Esep. Sta., Burns
G. R. Hyslop, B.S
Agronomist in Charge
W. T. Johnson, D.V.M...Poultry Pathologist
1. R. Jones, Ph.D...Assoc. DasrJ Husbaisd'n
J. S. Jones, M.S.A
Chemist ass Charge
S. Jones, M.S
A sst. Entomologist
L. Knowlton, B.S Poultry Husbandman
W. Kuhiman, M.S
Asst. Economist
(F. MgI.)
A. 0. Larson, M.S
Entomologist, Storcd
Prod. Insects, U. S. Dept. of Agric.
A. G. Lunn, B.S
Poultry Husbandman
in Charge
President
Director
l/ice-itzrector
irrigation and Drainage
Engineer, Division of irrigation, U. S.
M. R. Lewis, C.E
Dept. of Agric.
Asso. Plant
F. P. McWhorter, Ph.D
Pathologist
Jr. Agron. Office of
J. F. Martin, TI.S
Cereal Crops and Diseases, U. . D. of A.
P. W. Miller, Ph.D Assoc, Plant Patholo.
gist, Hort. Crops and Dis., U. S. B. of A.
Agent, Bureau of Plant
H. H. Millsap
Industry, U. S. Dept. of Agric.
G. A. Mitchell, B.S Assistant Agronomist,
Office of Dry.Land Agric., U. S. D. of A.
Entomologist in Chg.
B. C. Mote, Ph.D
0. H. Muth, D.V.M.Assistant Veterinarian
Agricultural EconM. N. Nelson, Ph.D
onilot in Charge
0. M. Nelson, MS Animal Hushandman
Assistant Animal
A. \V. Oliver, M.S
Hsisbandman
Asst. to Supt., Slier.
man County Br. Exp Sta., Moro
Asst. Horticulturist
B. S. Pickett,M.S
(Pomology)
Animal Husbandman
L. Potter, M.S
H. M. Oveson, B.S
in Charge
Soil Scientist in Chg.
Agricultural Engineer
E. Price, B.S
Editor
E. T. Reed, B.S., A.B
Superiniendent Sou.
F. C. Reimer, M.S
them Oregon Br. Exp. Station, Talent
D. N. Richards, B.S Superintendent, Eastern Oregon Br. Exp. Station, Union
Chemist, inB. H. Robinson, M.S
secticides and Fungicides
C. V. Ruzek, M.S-----Soil Scientist (Fertility)
H. A. Schoth, M.S Associate Agronomist,
Forage Crops, U. S Dept. of Agric.
C. N. Schuster, M.S
Hortsculturist, Hort.
Crops and Dis., Bureau of Plant industry,
U. S. Dept. of Agric.
Economist an Farm
H. D. Scudder, B.S
Management in Charge
Technician, Vet. Med.
0. L. Searcy, B.S
H. E. Selby, B.S...Assoc. Economist (F.Mgt.)
0. Shattuck, M.S Superintendent Harney
Valley Branch Experiment Sta., Burns
J. N. Shaw, B.S., D.V.M Assoc. Veteri.
narian
1. N. Simmons, M.S Astor. Bacteriologist.
)t. T. Sums, D.V.M Veterinarian in Clig.
B. Sprague, Ph.D
Assistant Pathologist,
U. S. Dept. of Agric.
D. N. Stephens, B.S Superintendent Slier.
man County Branch Exp. Station, Moro
Associate Soil
R. E. Stephenson, Ph.D
Scientist
G. L. Sulerud, M.A Asst. Ag'! Economist
Asst. Entomologist
B. G. Thompson, MS
E. F. Torerson, B.S Assistant Soil Sri en.
tist (Soil Survey)
B. B. Webb, B.S Agent, Cereal Crops and
Dis., U. S. Dept of Agric.
Horticulturist
E. H. Wiegand, B S
(Horticultural Products)
Home Economist
Maud Wilson, M.A
Associate in Dairy
Gustav Wilster, Ph.D
.tlanuf set uring
A. \Vork, B.S...Asst. Irrigation Engineer,
Dv. of Trrigsf ion, U. S. Be/st. of Airie.
Plant Pathologist
H. Zeller, Ph.D
's-V. L. Powers, Ph.D