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Soil

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OSU Extension provides science-based information to help farmers, gardeners and land managers understand and improve soil health. We offer resources on soil testing, fertility management and conservation practices to support productive crops and sustainable land use.

Soil Testing Lab Selection and Recommended Analytical Methods for Oregon

Not all soil tests are created equal. This guide breaks down which lab methods are calibrated for Oregon soils and why that matters for your results. Learn how to choose a lab that gives you reliable, region-specific data for better nutrient management.

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Credit: Amber Moore, © Oregon State University (Cropped from original)

Latest resources

A fertilizer guide for winter wheat in summer-fallow systems

Learn the nutritional requirements of nonirrigated cereal crops in northcentral and Eastern Oregon, including recommendations for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, chloride and zinc.

Larry Lutcher, Don Wysocki, Amber Moore, Donald A. Horneck, John M. Hart, Neil W. Christensen | Nov 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog

Updated lime requirement recommendations for Oregon

OSU researchers released higher pH targets as part of improved lime rate recommendations after they took soil tests from across the state.

Amber Moore | Oct 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog

Composting: An alternative for livestock manure management and disposal of dead animals

Learn how to compost manure, what equipment you'll need and what you can use it for. Examine the differences between composted and uncomposted manure, as well as its drawbacks.

Michael Gamroth, Linda Brewer | Jun 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog

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Latest stories

OSU Extension develops producer-centered soil health program

New strategy will connect research, tools and real-world farm decisions.

Shannon Cappellazzi | Apr 2026 | Impact story

OSU Extension helps Josephine County growers use soil tests

Step-by-step training builds confidence in sampling and reading results.

Nan Xu | Mar 2026 | Impact story

Study guides strategic fertilizer and insecticide decisions for onion growers

This research provides practical, science-based tools for enhancing production efficiency and profitability.

Silvia I. Rondon, Stuart Reitz | Jul 2025 | Impact story

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Soil: The dirty secrets of a living landscape

Learn how to care for the soil you steward with this set of worksheets and guide, part of the Land Steward Rural Resource Guidelines series.

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Photo Credit: Bits and Splits - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

Featured resources

Estimating plant-available nitrogen release from cover crops

This publication helps Western Oregon farmers and agricultural professionals determine the nitrogen fertilizer replacement value of winter cover crops. Learn plant-available nitrogen basics and gain from Willamette Valley case studies.

Dan M. Sullivan, Nick Andrews, Linda Brewer | Oct 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog

Is composting a good fit for your small farm?

Compost can quickly improve degraded soil and reduce weeds, pathogens and pests. But a large-scale composting program on a small farm can be labor-intensive and costly. Here's how to decide if it's a viable option.

Nick Andrews | Mar 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog

Guide to Oregon county soil survey reports

In the 1970s, soil scientists started gathering information about Oregon soils by digging hundreds of holes, observing the landscapes and recording information. Now, that wealth of information is available online.

Brad Withrow-Robinson, Debra Zaveson, Jacob Putney | May 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog

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Upcoming Events

Apr 16

Managing Acidic Soils: A field day for coastal farmers producing annual crops

2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Newport, OR
Apr 29

DIY Composting*

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm PDT Online
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Meet Our Experts

Amber Moore
Soil Fertility
Ruijun (Ray) Qin
Crop & Soil
Shannon Cappellazzi
Shannon Cappellazzi
Assistant Professor of Practice, organic soils specialist
Nan Xu
Crop and Soil Science Assistant Professor of Practice
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“Pregúntale a Extensión” es una forma de obtener respuestas del Servicio de Extensión de Oregon State University. Contamos con expertos en familia y salud, desarrollo comunitario, alimentación y agricultura, temas costeros, silvicultura, programas para jóvenes y jardinería.

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Testing strips for soil acidity?

P: I'm working on getting my blueberry patch acidified properly, and I've noticed that the pH keeps drifting upwards (I suspect the buffered municipal water I irrigate with is the cause). At any rate, I'm looking for ...

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