Linda Brewer

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Senior Faculty Research Assistant II , Department of Horticulture

Contact me for questions about soils, soil test interpretation, composting, vermicomposting.

Hablo español (I speak Spanish)

541-737-1408
[email protected]

Expertise: Soil

Department/Unit: Horticulture

Biography

I am a certified professional soil scientist, and have made many contributions to the Extension Publications Catalog. This is in part due to my ability to translate research findings into citizen-useful content. I manage the Spotted Wing Drosophila research lab in the Department of Horticulture.

Content by Linda Brewer

Preventing and managing grapevine leafroll virus and mealybugs in Oregon vineyards

Este documento sugiere prácticas que se cree reducen la propagación de enfermedades y virus.

Kyoo Rok Park, Serhan Mermer, Linda Brewer, K.M. Daane, N.H. Mercer, Patricia A. Skinkis, Rick Hilton, Alexis Shobe, I.O. Ozdemir, Vaughn Walton | Mar 2026 | OSU Extension Catalog

Can you clarify recycling rules in Oregon?

P: Recycling rules seem to be changing, and I want to be sure I’m doing the right thing. Do you have up-to-date information on which plastics can be recycled, and how to recycle plastic bags and Styrofoam in Oregon?

R: View answer | View all featured questions

Can I eat volunteer vegetables from my compost?

P: I maintain a fairly productive compost pile that I use to replenish my raised beds each year. This year, I have a large number of plants (mainly squash and tomatoes) that have come up in beds where this compost was ...

R: View answer | View all featured questions

Soldier fly larvae: Beneficial compost helpers

Soldier fly larvae are voracious consumers of high nitrogen materials such as kitchen food scraps and manures, as they decay.

Kym Pokorny | Jul 1, 2025 | News story

What does aeration do to compost tea?

P: I make compost tea in a brewer that I bought in Eugene. I use worm castings, and I wonder what aeration does to the tea. The brewer activator's ingredients include “trace metals." Why might those be in the activator? Also, does the vermicomposting process increase plant nutrients?

R: View answer | View all featured questions

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

Use fireplace ash sparingly to boost garden soil

Proper timing, rates and pH testing help homeowners use ash without harming plants.

Kym Pokorny | Apr 8, 2025 | News story

Coffee grounds boost soil health — and help control slugs

Turn a daily habit into a garden helper with this simple sustainability tip.

Kym Pokorny | Jan 23, 2025 | News story

La deriva de 2,4-D retrasa la caída de las nueces en el avellano

The herbicide 2,4-D drifting into the tree canopy delays nut drop in hazelnut orchards. Learn how to reduce the risk of 2,4-D drift in your orchard.

Marcelo Moretti, Linda Brewer, Joshua Miranda Teo | Jan 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Cómo identificar daños por herbicidas en las moras azules: Guía para productores

Herbicide use sometimes leads to crop injury. However, herbicide injury symptoms overlap with other stressors, making it hard to find the cause. Learn how to identify herbicide injuries and prevent problems.

Marcelo Moretti, Linda Brewer | Jan 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Three methods for no-turn cold composting

Recycling organic debris for composting and improving soil doesn’t have to be a chore! If hot composting is not for you, try one of these easy cold-composting methods. Each has advantages and disadvantages but the end result is the same: improved garden soil and less organic waste in landfill.

Linda Brewer | Oct 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog

Composting chicken manure?

P: When I clean my chicken coop, I put the manure in a compost bin of its own, add some straw and grass and let it pile up. I started in March and will stop mid-November. When will it be "ready" to add to my raised vegetable beds?

R: View answer | View all featured questions

Get actionable results from a soil, plant or environmental testing lab

Learn how to work with an analytical laboratory to get useful results from your plant tissue, soil or water samples.

Shannon Cappellazzi, Clare Sullivan, Gordon B. Jones, Linda Brewer | May 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog

Distribution and Monitoring of Grape Mealybug: A Key Vector of Grapevine Leafroll Disease in Oregon

A pheromone lure baited with the sex pheromone of grape mealybug is the most reliable way to confirm the presence or absence of this important vector of grapevine leafroll-associated viruses.

Daniel Dalton, Vaughn Walton, Kent Daane, Clive Kaiser, Rick Hilton, Linda Brewer | Apr 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog

Can I use vinegar to kill dandelions in my grass so that the clippings are safe to compost?

P: I'm composting on site and wondering how concerned I should be about adding the grass clippings. Is there a weed killer that I could use that is safe to compost for a food garden? I’ve been looking into a vinegar/dish soap mix.

R: View answer | View all featured questions

Trapping and Identifying Mealybugs in Oregon Vineyards

Vineyard managers will learn how and why to trap vine mealybugs in vineyards.

Kyoo Rok Park, Serhan Mermer, Gordon B. Jones, Govinda Shrestha, Alec Levin, Rick Hilton, Nathan H. Mercer, Kent M. Daane, Linda Brewer, Patricia A. Skinkis, Vaughn Walton | Feb 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog

Prescribed Burns in Wine Country

Learn how prescribed burns can reduce wildfire risk in wine country while minimizing smoke impacts on vineyards and wine quality.

Linda Brewer, John Punches | Nov 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog

Applying hydrated lime to my garden?

P: I have heard about applying lime to my lawn and garden to improve my soil. Can I use the pictured product, and how would I apply it? There are no application directions.

R: View answer | View all featured questions

Soil Nitrate Testing for Willamette Valley Vegetable Production

A soil nitrate test measures the concentration of nitrate in the soil at a specific moment in time, including nitrate originating from organic inputs, fertilizer, and soil organic matter. This publication describes ...

Dan M. Sullivan, Nick Andrews, Aaron Heinrich, Ed Peachey, Linda Brewer | Aug 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog

Understanding soil health and biota for farms and gardens

Like sunlight, water and air, soils are the foundation of life on Earth. Learn how soils link plants, the atmosphere, agriculture, food security, health, the economy and the environment.

Shikha Singh, Linda Brewer, Scott Lukas | Jun 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog

Clay soil challenges and solutions for Oregon gardeners

Bark, manure, leaf mold and compost are among the organic amendments commonly used to improve clay soil.

Kym Pokorny | Apr 25, 2023 | News story

Silage Corn Nutrient Management Guide for Western Oregon

Silage corn is an excellent feed for dairy cattle because of its high dry-matter yield, energy content and palatability. This guide provides nutrient and lime recommendations for silage corn established after ...

Dan M. Sullivan, Troy Downing, Linda Brewer, John M. Hart | Mar 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog

Biosolids in dryland cropping systems

Biosolid applications have long-term benefits in dryland cropping systems east of the Cascades. Learn how biosolids can benefit soil, crop and forage productivity.

Dan M. Sullivan, Andy I. Bary, Craig G. Cogger, Isaac Madsen, Linda Brewer | Jun 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog

Postharvest Soil Nitrate Testing for Manured Grass and Silage Corn (West of the Cascades)

This publication describes the use of postharvest soil nitrate testing as a tool for assessment of nitrogen (N) management in manured cropping systems west of the Cascade Mountains in Oregon, Washington, and south coastal British Columbia.

Dan M. Sullivan, Craig G. Cogger, Andy I. Bary, Shabtai Bittman, Linda Brewer | Jun 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog

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 ...

R: View answer | View all featured questions

Walnut leaves: Safe for composting?

P: We have a large walnut tree and would like to compost the leaves for our vegetable garden. I have read conflicting reports about the ability of composting to break down the toxin juglone. Is it safe to compost these leaves?

R: View answer | View all featured questions

Peat moss harvesting releases carbon and harms ecosystems, expert warns

Common soil additive carries hidden environmental costs.

Kym Pokorny | Dec 9, 2022 | News story

Suppressing Spotted-wing Drosophila Egg-laying with Micro-sprinkler Insecticide Application in Highbush Blueberry

Micro-sprinkler application of certain pesticides suppresses spotted-wing drosophila in highbush blueberries. However, those same pesticides applied by backpack sprayers provide better control.

Serhan Mermer, Gabriella Tait, Ferdinand Pfab, Edwin T. Harris, Linda Brewer, Christopher Adams, Vaughn Walton | Dec 2022 | OSU Extension Catalog

Spotted-wing Drosophila, Relative Rankings and Seasonal Strategies for Insecticide Use

Researchers around the country have ranked the effectiveness of the most-used pesticides to control spotted-wing drosophila populations in the field. These recommendations are focused on controlling immature and adult life stages of SWD.

Serhan Mermer, Philip Fanning, Gabriella Tait, Ferdinand Pfab, Christopher Adams, Linda Brewer, Vaughn Walton | Aug 2022 | OSU Extension Catalog

Fertilizing with Biosolids

Biosolids can be used to supply nutrients to crops. The nutrient content and fertilizer replacement value of biosolids and the relationship between biosolids nutrient inputs and crop removal of nutrients are ...

Dan M. Sullivan, Abigail Tomasek, Deirdre Griffin LaHue, Betsy Verhoeven, Amber Moore, Linda Brewer, Andy I. Bary, Craig G. Cogger, Biswanath Dari | Jun 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog

Chicken tractors: Moveable flocks help manage orchard pests

It can be difficult to manage insect pests and weeds in an orchard, where tilling is not an option. Could chickens be part of the solution? See what the research says!

Betsey Miller, Travis Witmer, Linda Brewer | Mar 2026 | OSU Extension Catalog

Agricultural composting and water quality

Learn how to conduct efficient, cost-effective, on-farm composting that presents reduced risk to surface and groundwater quality.

Linda Brewer, Nick Andrews, Dan M. Sullivan, Will Gehr | Jul 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog

Pest alert: Spotted lanternfly is an invasive insect that may impact Oregon

Spotted lanternfly is an invasive pest that can impact industries like winegrapes, timber and small fruits. Learn how to ID the pest and report sightings in Oregon.

Serhan Mermer, Gabriella Tait, Josh Vlach, Jana Lee, Man-Yeon Choi, Heather Leach, Linda Brewer, Vaughn Walton | May 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog

Testing and tracking the spread of grapevine red blotch virus in Oregon vineyards

Grapevine red blotch virus affects fruit ripening and impacts the quality of finished wines.

Daniel Dalton, Jessica Buser-Young, Samantha Nizich, Alec Levin, Vaughn Walton, Richard Hilton, Linda Brewer | Jun 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog

Nonlethal bird deterrent strategies: How to reduce fruit crop losses in Oregon

Bird predation is a significant threat to marketable yields in fruit crops. There are many avian deterrents on the market. In most cases, the best results come from a multi-pronged approach.

Scott Lukas, Logan Clark, Amanda Davis, Dana Sanchez, Linda Brewer | Nov 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog

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

Pacific Northwest watermelon production east of the Cascades

Learn how to grow watermelon commercially in the Columbia Basin. Study cultivar selection, site preparation, planting, pollination, irrigation, pest management, harvest and marketing.

Scott Lukas, Logan Clark, Kenneth Frost, Linda Brewer | Nov 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog

Baseline Soil Nitrogen Mineralization: Measurement and Interpretation

Baseline N mineralization refers to plant-available nitrogen release that accompanies the decomposition of soil organic matter. The rate of baseline soil N mineralization is governed by the quantity and quality of ...

Dan M. Sullivan, Amber Moore, Betsy Verhoeven, Linda Brewer | Jun 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog

Nutrient and Soil Health Management for Sweet Corn (Western Oregon)

This guide integrates recommendations for nutrient management with cover cropping practices that promote soil health. Recommendations for nutrient rate, source, timing and placement for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, ...

Dan M. Sullivan, Ed Peachey, Aaron Heinrich, Linda Brewer | Jun 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog

Recognize the Symptoms and Causes of Stunted Growth in Vineyards

Spring frost, herbicide drift, water or nutrient stress, diseases, and insect and mite pests can cause similar symptoms of stunting or distorted growth in grapevines. Recognizing the symptoms and distinguishing their ...

Patricia A. Skinkis, Vaughn Walton, Amy J. Dreves, Clive Kaiser, Steve Renquist, Steve Castagnoli, Rick Hilton, Linda Brewer | Jun 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog

Noncrop host plants used by spotted-wing drosophila

Dense vegetation around commercial fields creates a suitable habitat for spotted-wing drosophila, as the shade increases pressure and impacts sustainable integrated pest management strategies.

Gabriella Tait, Dalila Rendon, Linda Brewer, Daniel Dalton, Jana Lee, Rachael Nieri, Kyoo Park, Ferdinand Pfab, Marco Rossi-Stacconi, Vaughn Walton | Sep 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog

Noncrop Host Plants of Spotted Wing Drosophila in North America

Landscapes surrounding fruit production fields often include hedgerows, adjacent field margins, and woody or riparian areas with ornamentals, unmanaged shrubs, vines, or other plants that also produce fruits. Noncrop ...

Amy J. Dreves, Jana Lee, Linda Brewer, Rufus Isaacs, Greg Loeb, Howard Thistlewood | Jun 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog

How seasons affect population structure, behavior and risk on spotted-wing drosophila

Learn how temperature affects the life cycle of spotted-wing drosophila.

Vaughn Walton, Linda Brewer, Daniel Dalton, Rachael Nieri, Kyoo Park, Ferdinand Pfab, Dalila Rendon, Gabriella Tait, Nik Wiman, Marco Rossi-Stacconi | Jun 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog

Cultural control strategies to manage spotted-wing drosophila

Cultural controls can reduce spotted-wing drosophila population pressure by modifying the microclimate within the crop so that the environment does not promote SWD reproduction and survival.

Dalila Rendon, Serhan Mermer, Linda Brewer, Daniel Dalton, Cherre Bezerra Da Silva, Jana Lee, Rachael Nieri, Kyoo Park, Ferdinand Pfab, Gabriella Tait, Marco Rossi-Stacconi, Nik Wiman, Vaughn Walton | Jun 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog

Host range and characteristics affecting fruit susceptibility to spotted-wing drosophila

Spotted-wing drosophila thrives on various soft-skinned fruits, complicating pest management as they can move between hosts with different ripening times for a year-round survival and reproduction.

Vaughn Walton, Marco Rossi-Stacconi, Gabriella Tait, Dalila Rendon, Jana Lee, Rachael Nieri, Linda Brewer | Sep 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog

Optimizing chemical control of spotted-wing drosophila

What works best in the control of spotted-wing drosophila? Crop canopy and structure and the type of pesticide spray equipment help determine the effectiveness of pesticide applications.

Serhan Mermer, Gwen-Alyn Hoheisel, Haitham Bahlol, Lav Khot, Dalila Rendon, Linda Brewer, Daniel Dalton, Rachael Nieri, Kyoo Park, Ferdinand Pfab, Marco Rossi-Stacconi, Vaughn Walton | Sep 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog

Improved chemical control strategies for spotted-wing drosophila

Learn how life stages, product choice, timing and coverage impact success in the control of spotted-wing drosophila.

Serhan Mermer, Linda Brewer, Daniel Dalton, Rachael Nieri, Kyoo Park, Ferdinand Pfab, Marco Rossi-Stacconi, Vaughn Walton | Sep 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog

Monitoring techniques for spotted-wing drosophila

Commercial fruit growers use trapping to monitored for adult spotted-wing drosophila in fields and field borders. They monitor other fruits for infestation using a fruit dunk flotation technique.

Gabriella Tait, Marco Rossi-Stacconi, Elizabeth Miller, Daniel Dalton, Jana Lee, Kyoo Park, Vaughn Walton, Tom Peerbolt, Linda Brewer | Nov 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog

Potential impacts of irrigation on biocontrol of spotted-wing drosophila

A naturally occurring parasitic wasp in Oregon can help control spotted-wing drosophila in blueberries, but overhead irrigation can limit the effectiveness of this biocontrol method.

Cherre Bezerra Da Silva, Brianna F. Price, Daniel Dalton, Dalila Rendon, Kyoo Park, Linda Brewer, Vaughn Walton, Marco Rossi-Stacconi | Sep 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog

Biocontrol of spotted-wing drosophila

Biological control agents target SWD, predators, parasitoids, nematodes and microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria. Predators eat SWD, removing a substantial portion from the production system.

Marco Rossi-Stacconi, Linda Brewer, Elizabeth Miller, Daniel Dalton, Jana Lee, Kyoo Park, Ferdinand Pfab, Vaughn Walton, Cherre Bezerra Da Silva | Sep 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog

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