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Living on the Land - Understanding and Measuring Soil pH

The acidity or alkalinity of the soil in which crops grow can influence how well they grow. We measure this characteristic with a pH scale. Each crop has its own ideal pH range. If you want to grow healthy plants, it's...

Garrett Duyck, Elli Korthuis, Susan Kerr, Hannah Brause, Shilah Olson, Ellen Hammond | Jan 2021 | Podcast episode Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Living on the Land - Correcting and Managing Soil pH

The acidity or alkalinity of the soil in which crops grow can influence how well they grow. We measure this characteristic with a pH scale. Each crop has its own ideal pH range. If you want to grow healthy plants, it's...

Garrett Duyck, Elli Korthuis, Susan Kerr, Hannah Brause, Shilah Olson, Ellen Hammond | Jan 2021 | Podcast episode Peer reviewed (Gray level)

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

Sheet mulching — aka lasagna composting — builds soil, saves time

Sheet composting, also referred to as lasagna composting or sheet mulching, is a cold composting method used by people around the world for generations. It is an excellent way to convert grass to vegetable beds, create new ...

Jan 2013 | Article

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)

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 | Mar 2023 | 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)

Now’s the time to plant winter cover crops to prepare soil for next year’s vegetable garden

These hardworking plants can add organic matter and aerate the soil, protect it from compaction caused by rain, suppress weeds and reduce erosion.

Kym Pokorny | Sep 9, 2022 | News story