Evaluation of Soil Properties in Pollinator Gardens vs. Agricultural Cropland

Soil is important to pollinator gardens because the soil establishes a foundation for the plants, leading to more biodiversity and habitat for insects. The objective of this research was to review the effects of pollinator gardens on soil, including soil organic matter (SOM), water-holding capacity (WHC), total porosity, and soil pH. This study was conducted in Calloway County, Western Kentucky, with silt loam soil collected in September 2026. The study compares multiple pollinator gardens with conventional tillage corn fields and grasslands. This study used disturbed and undisturbed soil samples. The results from the disturbed soil samples show the pollinator plot near the pond has the most SOM at 7.67%. The zinnia plot had the lowest SOM at 2.71%. The Zinnia plot had a pH of 6.55, being the most neutral, right ahead of the pond plot at 6.65, being the highest pH. The land with the lowest pH was the corn field at 6.12, right above grassland at 6.17. Soil water holding capacity ranged from 37% to 53%. The plot with the most WHC was the pond plot at 53%. The lowest WHC was in the grassland at 37%. The plot with the best total porosity was the pond plot at 59%. The corn field had the worst porosity at 45%. Overall, the results indicate that pollinator gardens have a positive effect on soils. The diversity of pollinator gardens plays a significant role in enhancing soil properties for sustainable agriculture.