Soil organic matter is important to good plant performance. Adding organic matter can improve any soil, no matter how compacted. Learn how to check your soil for organic matter and improve its quality with amendments.
Neil Bell, Dan M. Sullivan, Linda Brewer, John M. Hart |
May 2003 |
Extension Catalog publicationPeer reviewed (Orange level)
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.
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?
Forages are a critical part of farming and ranching, and a large variety of grasses and legumes are available for planting in our fields. The more we know about these forages, the better we can choose what we grow and ...
From the myth of collapsing root balls to the myth of compost tea - learn the facts about a range of tips you may have heard through the years about healthy soil, pretty mulch, and more.
Choose the right containers, soil and plants to keep your flowerpots blooming all season long. When choosing plants for container gardening, go for "thrillers," "fillers" and "spillers."
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. .
Discusses mulching woody ornamentals (trees and shrubs) with organic materials. Covers the reasons for mulching, how to apply mulch, and how to maintain its beneficial effects over time. General principles described ...