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. .
When trying to minimize irrigation inputs, the best turfgrass species for the Oregon climate include perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) in Western Oregon, Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) in Central/Eastern Oregon and...
Alyssa Cain, Alec Kowalewski, Brian McDonald, Clint Mattox |
Jan 2021 |
Extension Catalog publicationPeer reviewed (Orange level)
Maintaining a healthy lawn requires a little knowledge and a big commitment to regular maintenance. Learn what it takes, from seeding or sodding to fertilizing, watering, mowing and aerating.
Properly timed maintenance is the key to having a nice lawn. Watering, mowing, fertilizing or dethatching at the wrong time yields poor results. Here's how to maintain a healthy lawn in Central Oregon.