Irrigated spring-planted small grains-- peat and muck soils: Klamath and Lake counties

Abstract

Soil management practices and fertilizer recommendations for peat and muck soils in Klamath and Lake counties are distinctly different than for mineral soils. High levels of salts and boron have been a problem on many lower Klamath Lake soils and organic soils in Lake and Harney counties. Surface application of water, by flooding or sprinklers, followed by pumping water out of drain ditches, has reduced salt problems on most fields. However, growers who irrigate by filling drain ditches and letting water “sub” to the surface move the salts back to the soil surface.