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Should I worry about heavy metals in my garden soil?

What do we know about heavy metals in soil? What do we know about lead exposure through soil and garden plants? What do we know about cadmium and arsenic in soils? What can I do if I’m at risk for heavy metals in my garden soil?

Jul 2016 | Article

How do I collect a soil sample for testing?

Collecting a soil sample for testing is easy. In this video, Dennis Brown, OSU Extension Master Gardener volunteer, Portland Metro Area, demonstrates how to take a soil sample in the garden. Video courtesy of Dennis Brown and Dave Meeker.

Dennis Brown, Dave Meeker | Apr 2021 | Video Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Soil Nutrient Management Resources for Small Farms

Nutrient Management, Managing nutrients, whether it is synthetic fertilizer or manure and other organic fertilizers requires planning. Determining which type of fertilizer to apply, the application rate and timing are key factors in ...

Apr 2018 | Collection

Can Kincaid's Lupine improve my soil?

Q: I'm an urban rental dweller in West Portland, and the soil in my yard appears to be of very poor quality and I can't afford to purchase fertilizer to improve it. My yeard is full of dandelions and weeds currently. After...

A: View answer | View all featured questions

Acidifying Soil for Crop Production West of the Cascade Mountains (Western Oregon and Washington)

Explains the relationship between high soil pH and nutrient deficiencies in blueberries, rhododendrons, azaleas, and other ornamental crops. Color photos illustrate symptoms of pH-induced nutrient deficiency. Presents ...

Donald A. Horneck, John M. Hart, Robert G. Stevens, Steven Petrie, James Altland | Feb 2004 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Evaluating Soil Nutrients and pH by Depth in Situations of Limited or No Tillage in Western Oregon

Many nutrients and lime are not mobile in the soil. When applied to the soil surface without tillage, these materials remain in the top 2 inches, especially in production systems that lack tillage. If a soil ...

Nicole Anderson, John M. Hart, Donald A. Horneck, Dan M. Sullivan, Neil W. Christensen, Gene Pirelli | Oct 2010 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Red worms eat their way through kitchen waste to produce rich soil amendment

Keeping a worm farm is an easy project

Kym Pokorny | Aug 12, 2016 | News story

Irrigation Monitoring Using Soil Water Tension

This publication discusses the use of granular matrix sensors (GMS) for monitoring soil moisture content. It explains how to install GMS and use the recorded data for irrigation scheduling.

Clinton Shock, Feng-Xin Wang, Rebecca Flock, Erik Feibert, Cedric A. Shock, Andre Pereira | Jul 2021 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Reducing Lead Hazard in Gardens and Play Areas

This publication is designed to help homeowners evaluate and manage lead hazard in their landscape or garden. It explains how soils get contaminated with lead, how to test soil for lead contamination and how to reduce exposure to soil lead.

Linda Brewer, Dan M. Sullivan, Pukhraj Deol, Sam Angima | Oct 2016 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)