UTILIZING FINE SEDIMENT AMENDMENT TO ENHANCE THE HEALTH AND RESILIENCE OF CULTIVATED HISTOSOLS

The goal of this project is to develop a novel management technique that slows soil subsidence, improves C sequestration, and enhances soil health and resilience in cultivated Histosols and similar soils high in organic matter. The overall objective is to scientifically evaluate the potential for fine sediment amendment to serve this purpose by developing a foundational understanding of the physical and biogeochemical effects of adding an amendment rich in silts and clays (<53µm diameter) to cultivated Histosols. This goal and overall objective will be achieved through the completion of three specific objectives:1. Determine the natural abundance of MAOM in the cultivated Histosols of the Everglades Agricultural area (EAA) in Florida.2. Establish foundational knowledge regarding the optimal type and amount of fine sediment amendment in Histosols, as well as how it interacts with water table conditions, to affect diverse soil health indicators.3. Determine how the results from laboratory studies translate to field conditions.