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. .
Getting tree seedlings into the ground is simple: green side up, brown side down. The most important work comes beforehand with proper care and choosing a site that has lots of sunshine, good drainage and room to grow.
In the aftermath of disastrous wildfire seasons, it is harder than ever to find seedlings and workers for reforestation efforts. But there's help out there. Here's a look at what's available for reforestation efforts.
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.
The category of Old Roses remains one of the most misunderstood and confusing. Nurseries may call a plant an "antique rose" or an "old garden rose," but the rose may not truly be an Old Garden Rose.
Thinning is the term foresters apply to removal of some trees from a stand to give others more room (and resources) to grow. It is a tool for improving timber value, making sites more productive, and — perhaps most ...
John Punches |
Sep 2004 |
Article
Photo Credit: HDDA Photography, Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)
Q: I live in a forested area of Deschutes County. I think that deadfall (cut trunks laying on the forest floor) left to decompose improves the health of the forest, but I am wondering if it also increases fire risk.
Plan templates for wildfire preparedness and prevention, including Emergency Action Plan for Medical and Fire Emergencies, Fire Prevention Plan, and Job Hazard Analysis. These templates cover what is required to meet Oregon OSHA Wildfire Requirements.