be advisable to monitor salinity. Nutrient analysis would not be useful in this study because of potential fertilizer application differences between a high tunnel and the field. Soil organic matter (SOM) is a commonly used biological indicator of
for salinization, so it is advisable to monitor high tunnel salinity ( Knewtson et al., 2010b ). Because organic matter influences soil structure, nutrient storage, water-holding capacity, biological activity, tilth, water and air infiltration, erosion
), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg), and percent organic matter (OM) in soil as affected by 3 years of organic transition strategies and compost application in 2010 before planting potato and tomato. Compost application affected available K, Ca, and Mg, and
Aerification and sand topdressing are important cultural practices to reduce thatch and soil organic matter on golf course putting greens ( Christians et al. 2017 ). However, the cost, dulling of mower blades, and disruption of golfers are some of
-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) as Trolox-equivalent antioxidant properties (TEAC), dry matter, and soluble solids concentration (SSC) in the same 10 cultivars grown in the same location, on the same soil texture and type, using organic and conventional practices for 2
such as compost and biosolids (BS). Because expanded shale can absorb water and soluble nutrients, it is possible that it would absorb nutrients released from mineralized organic matter and extend the time they are retained in the plant rooting zone
( Stockdale et al., 2002 ). Organic production potentially affects a number of soil properties, including soil organic matter content, microbial activity, microbial community structure, soil aggregation, water-holding content, and soil chemistry, which could
have a negative impact on chemical, physical, and biological measures of soil quality ( Haynes and Tregurtha, 1999 ). Increasing organic matter inputs through crop residue conservation ( Lal, 1995 ), cover crops ( Snapp et al., 2005 ), and manures or
to maintain or improve soil organic matter content in a manner that does not contribute to contamination of crops, soil, or water by plant nutrients, pathogenic organisms, heavy metals, or residues of prohibited substances” ( USDA Agricultural
conducted under representative agricultural field conditions. Studies showing positive responses under field conditions have been conducted in low organic matter soils ( Fagbenro and Agboola, 1993 ; Kunkel and Holstad, 1968 ; Lee and Bartlett, 1976 ). U