This publication provides direction on estimating soil moisture by the "feel and appearance" method; taking a some soil and rolling it up in a ball then squeezing it between your thumb and forefinger to form a ribbon and noting how it appears and feels. Compare what you see with photographs and/or charts to estimate percent water available and the inches depleted below field capacity.
Learn about soil moisture and cultivation needed when dry farming. In facing challenges of increasing weather variability and a changing climate, one experienced dry farmer shares how he has grown squash, beans, tomatoes and corn without irrigation for decades.
This report includes preliminary data for the second of a three-year study. Since this year was a record drought year, results could vary from a normal rainfall year. Finalized data and observations will be released in future as peer-reviewed studies, reports, and extension articles. For more information, please visit the RDFA project page. .
Home gardeners can enjoy a choice of blackberry varieties with fruit far superior to that of wild blackberries. What’s more, home gardeners can pick fruit from early summer all the way to the first frost. ...
Blackberries are ubiquitous in Oregon but to grow them in the home garden takes some planning and know-how. Choosing the right variety for your environment and proper off-season care are key to success at home.
Nicole Sanchez |
Sep 2020 |
Article
Photo: Oregon State University (Cropped from original)
Poison oak plants contain a chemical that causes a severe rash. Learn how to spot a plant, safely remove, and clean your clothes, gear and skin afterward to prevent a rash.
Fires and ice storms in recent years have done serious damage to young forest stands in the Willamette Valley. Without much salvageable timber, landowners must decide how to restore the stands. Here are some options.
Silage-making has been used to reduce the concentrations of toxins in a variety of crops. But in the case of poison hemlock, the opposite is true — making silage out of it actually increases one of its toxic alkaloids.
Tansy ragwort, an invasive weed that can harm certain types of livestock, is making a comeback in western Oregon. Find out how to control it and protect your animals.
Shelby Filley, Andy Hulting, Gene Pirelli, Eric Coombs |
Aug 2011 |
Article