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.
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.
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. .
Dennis Brown received the inaugural Growing and Belonging Award from the OSU Extension Master Gardener Program and nonprofit Oregon Master Gardener Association.
Jonathan Kauffman |
Aug 25, 2023 |
News story
Photo: OSU Crops and Soil Sciences (Cropped from original)
Foxtail is a problematic grass in pastures and hayground, and infestations need immediate attention. Small infestations of foxtail should be spot treated, while larger infestations require whole pasture renovation. This informational ...
A healthy pasture is a vital resource for a livestock operation, and it requires year-round attention. One of the most critical periods is the fall when decisions dictate how much forage will be produced for the season.
Modern farm operations increasingly rely on technology to reduce workload and maximize farm profit. Unmanned aerial systems are another example of technology deployed for agricultural production. How can this technology ...
Kristine Buckland, Ann Rasmussen, Lloyd Nackley |
Oct 2020 |
Extension Catalog publicationPeer reviewed (Orange level)
Forage quality of common pasture weeds was determined through laboratory testing to compare feed value of weeds to desirable forage species and nutrient requirements for grazing livestock.
Shelby Filley, Andy Hulting, Amy Peters |
May 2010 |
Article