Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
Major
Agronomy
2nd Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
2nd Student Major
Horticulture
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Iin Handayani
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Comparing Characteristics
of Southern Illinois and Western Kentucky Soils
Jenna Grab, Kaitlynn Burrus, Madelyn Hughes & Jodi Terhorst
Mentor: Dr. Iin Handayani, Ph.D.
Hutson School of Agriculture, Murray State University, Kentucky, USA
ABSTRACT
Assessing soil quality indicators is essential to determining soil health for plant growth. The objective of this study was to determine and compare various physical and chemical characteristics of soils in Western Kentucky (KY) and Southern Illinois (IL). Twenty-seven undisturbed and twenty-seven disturbed soil samples were collected from September 5th-27th from fields in Mascoutah and Metropolis, Illinois, along with fields in Schochoh and Benton, Kentucky. All soil samples were taken from the top 7.5 cm in the A Horizon. Undisturbed soil samples were used to analyze porosity and soil water holding capacity (SWHC). Disturbed soil samples were used to determine soil organic matter (SOM) and soil organic carbon (SOC). KY soils averaged 44.81% porosity while IL soils averaged 43.17%. Soil organic matter in KY soils ranged from 4.07% to 11.09%. In Illinois, SOM ranged from 3.60% to 5.16%. For SOC, KY soils averaged 4.14% and IL averaged 2.54%. Throughout the study, corn, soybean, and turf fields were assessed. The average SOM of the turf field (KY) was 10.94%. The average SOM of the corn fields (both KY and IL) was 4.95%. The SOM of the soybean fields (both KY and IL) averaged 4.47%. Overall, KY soils displayed preferable soil characteristics over IL soils. Understanding the soil characteristics of these regions enables local farmers to improve land management practices and leads to higher yields.
Keywords: Porosity, Soil Organic Matter, Illinois, Kentucky, Water Retention
Fall Scholars Week 2025
Research Poster Competition and Presentations, Soil/Crop Management (Agriculture) and Sustainability
Included in
Comparing Characteristics of Southern Illinois and Western Kentucky Soils
Comparing Characteristics
of Southern Illinois and Western Kentucky Soils
Jenna Grab, Kaitlynn Burrus, Madelyn Hughes & Jodi Terhorst
Mentor: Dr. Iin Handayani, Ph.D.
Hutson School of Agriculture, Murray State University, Kentucky, USA
ABSTRACT
Assessing soil quality indicators is essential to determining soil health for plant growth. The objective of this study was to determine and compare various physical and chemical characteristics of soils in Western Kentucky (KY) and Southern Illinois (IL). Twenty-seven undisturbed and twenty-seven disturbed soil samples were collected from September 5th-27th from fields in Mascoutah and Metropolis, Illinois, along with fields in Schochoh and Benton, Kentucky. All soil samples were taken from the top 7.5 cm in the A Horizon. Undisturbed soil samples were used to analyze porosity and soil water holding capacity (SWHC). Disturbed soil samples were used to determine soil organic matter (SOM) and soil organic carbon (SOC). KY soils averaged 44.81% porosity while IL soils averaged 43.17%. Soil organic matter in KY soils ranged from 4.07% to 11.09%. In Illinois, SOM ranged from 3.60% to 5.16%. For SOC, KY soils averaged 4.14% and IL averaged 2.54%. Throughout the study, corn, soybean, and turf fields were assessed. The average SOM of the turf field (KY) was 10.94%. The average SOM of the corn fields (both KY and IL) was 4.95%. The SOM of the soybean fields (both KY and IL) averaged 4.47%. Overall, KY soils displayed preferable soil characteristics over IL soils. Understanding the soil characteristics of these regions enables local farmers to improve land management practices and leads to higher yields.
Keywords: Porosity, Soil Organic Matter, Illinois, Kentucky, Water Retention