Advances in Dryland Farming in the Inland Pacific Northwest

Soil amendments can improve the sustainability of agricultural systems by building soil carbon and improving numerous other soil health indicators, including soil structure, water infiltration and retention, bulk density, nutrient availability, and microbial activity. This chapter covers some general considerations relevant to the use of soil amendments followed by a discussion of biosolids, animal manures, biochar, and black liquor. Topics covered include amendment composition, application rates, yield impacts, grain quality impacts, soil health benefits, nutrient loss concerns, and potential contaminants. Key Points • Although they are only rarely used in the dryland systems of the Inland Pacific Northwest, soil amendments can provide a range of soil health benefits by building soil carbon, reducing bulk density, and improving soil structure, water infiltration and retention, and nutrient availability. Research results are coded by agroecological class, defined in the glossary, as follows: ˜ Annual Crop p Annual Crop-Fallow Transition ¢ Grain-Fallow