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Soil Fertility in Organic Systems: A Guide for Gardeners and Small Acreage Farmers

This publication discusses the many types of fertilizers and soil amendments available for organic plant production. Fertilizer formulations, nutrient availability, and application practices for common organic products are ...

Doug Collins, Carol A. Miles, Craig G. Cogger, Richard T. Koenig | Jul 2013 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Best Management Practices for Maintaining Soil Productivity in the Douglas-fir Region

Learn about characteristics that affect productivity, managing mass wasting risk and maintaining adequate nutrient supply in Douglas-fir forest soils.

Alex Dobkowski, Steve Campbell, Jeffrey D. Grizzel, Robert B. Harrison, Ronald L. Heninger, Douglas A. Maguire, Richard E. Miller, Deborah Page-Dumroese, William Scott, Darlene Zabowski | Apr 2011 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Ponding, plugging and pugging: How to care for wet spring soils

Wet soils and soil compaction can reduce plant growth, crop yield and animal utilization of pasture forage. Learn how to identify problems with excessive soil moisture and to know when it's safe to cultivate soils or turn out pasture animals.

Elizabeth Murphy | Jun 2013 | Article

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

USDA National Resources Conservation Service - Soil

A tool for finding what kind of soil is in a particular region.

Jul 2018 | Online resource

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)