Kansas produces most of the United States' wheat as of 2010.
Wheat is an important grain crop both in America and worldwide. Annual production of wheat during the growing season of 2008 to 2009 was almost 2.4 billion bushels of wheat in the United States. To maintain these levels of production, ideal soil conditions are necessary to maximize crop yield. Loamy and black soils provide these conditions.
History
Wheat did not become the important grain it is today until after 1777, when it was first planted in the United States. Production increased after the invention of the self-scouring steel plow in 1837. Vast areas of land were plowed, and agricultural production took off. From its humble beginnings as a hobby crop, 42 states now grow wheat. The high yields from crops grown in loamy and black soils made it possible.
Soil Formation
Soils form through the decomposition and weathering of parent materials such as loess and glacial till. Loess is windblown dust that was deposited by glacier activity. Glacial till is unsorted material which was deposited by glaciers. Loamy and black soils formed through this geologic activity. In addition to the parent materials, these soils also include products from the decomposition organic material which accounts for their color and good soil fertility. Wheat prefers the rich soil conditions of these soils.
Composition
Three basic materials make up soils: sand, silt and clay. The mixture of these materials is the basis for soil classification. Sandy soils are well-draining soils through which air can circulate freely. Clay soils contain fine particles that can easily compact. Unlike sandy soils, these soils do not drain easily, with water tending to pool. Silt soils fall in between sandy and clay soils. Loam contains all three types of materials, making it a good soil for growing wheat.
Prairies
Loamy and black soils formed under grass, though they will also occur in mixed forests and on river floodplains. Grasses are the dominant vegetation in prairies. The historic location of prairies through the Midwest and Plain states corresponds with the so-called breadbasket of America. These regions are the primary producers of grain including wheat in the United States. The base of the loamy and black soils of the original prairie accounts for the high production. Prairie is the dominant land cover in Kansas, the top producer of U.S. wheat. More than 25 percent of the land base is prairie. According to the Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, the soil type, Harney silt loam, is the most widespread in the state.
Growing Conditions
Maximum crop yield requires conditions suitable for wheat growth and production. The fertile loamy soils provide the ideal nutritious base. According to Montana State University, 5 inches of rainfall are necessary per season to ensure that wheat crops will thrive. The well-draining conditions of loamy, black soils helps moisture penetrate down deep to root systems, reducing stress from dry conditions.
Tags: black soils, United States, Loamy black soils, these soils, black soils formed, crop yield
