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?
The grafting of vegetable plants has been done for decades around the globe, but it has been slow to catch on in the United States. It holds promise as a disease management tool although cost remains a barrier.
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.
This article briefly discusses the most prevalent madrone disease problems, then offers a broader perspective on the health of this southern Oregon native.
Max Bennett, David C. Shaw |
Nov 2006 |
Article
Photo: Oregon State University (Cropped from original)
Poison oak plants contain a chemical that causes a severe rash. Learn how to spot a plant, safely remove, and clean your clothes, gear and skin afterward to prevent a rash.
Silage-making has been used to reduce the concentrations of toxins in a variety of crops. But in the case of poison hemlock, the opposite is true — making silage out of it actually increases one of its toxic alkaloids.
Tansy ragwort, an invasive weed that can harm certain types of livestock, is making a comeback in western Oregon. Find out how to control it and protect your animals.
Shelby Filley, Andy Hulting, Gene Pirelli, Eric Coombs |
Aug 2011 |
Article
Illustration by Eiko Goto. (Cropped from original)
Fruit trees and grapevines have been grafted for centuries but the grafting of vegetable plants is relatively new. It started in 1927 in Japan and has since grown to be a common practice with environmental benefits.
Toshihiko Nishio, Alice Formiga (editor and translator), Shinji Kawai (editor and translator) |
Jul 2018 |
Article
Q: The straw mulch I used at the end of summer to suppress the weeds doesn't seem to be working. Should I till it and cover with plastic? black or clear? Is there something better. Or should I add more straw. I could probably bring some cardboard home from work. Is this a healthy option?