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.
Independent of which system or mix of systems a grower uses, irrigation management can be challenging. An irrigation program must match the changing demands of the crop with the water supplied.
For vegetable gardeners who are eager to get going in the spring, root crops are a reliable choice. Radishes, carrots, beets, turnips and onions just need some good soil and consistent watering to jump-start a garden.
Buying a small farm requires doing a lot of homework. Is the site suitable for a particular use, and what about water rights, soil quality, easements, zoning and tax status? Here's a look at 10 things to consider.
Melissa Matthewson |
Dec 2007 |
Article
Credit: Oregon State University (Cropped from original)
Asparagus, beets, carrots and summer squash are some of the vegetables you can grow along the coast. Learn what to watch out for in a region known for cooler temperatures.
The Rogue Valley growers were pioneers in pear production, growing over 24 varieties and setting quality standards in packing pears. The Rogue Valley was the first and largest red pear growing region in the Pacific Northwest in...
Pacific Northwest blueberry growers must identify and control a number of bacterial and fungal diseases in order to ensure the highest yields. Fortunately, only a few of the diseases that occur on highbush blueberry in this region cause significant losses when left unchecked.
Jay W. Pscheidt, Jerry Weiland |
Mar 2015 |
Article
Excessive summer irrigation of oak and madrone trees may promote fungal diseases such as the oak root fungus (aka armillaria root disease) and crown rot.