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. .
Although grain crops bring in less revenue than vegetables or fruit, they can become an important part of a farming enterprise. Grains are less labor-intensive and can be grown when fields need a rest.
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.
Tomatoes are the most commonly produced greenhouse vegetable crop. Although greenhouse promoters claim each plant can produce 30 or more pounds of marketable fruit per year, that level of production is only possible with very ...
The U.S. Pacific Northwest is the most important sweet cherry production region in North America, however, up to the early 1990s fresh cherry production consisted primarily of one variety, 'Bing'. In the 2000s there has been increased interest in new varieties.