Extension Service Site Publications

• (2024) Can I use vinegar to kill dandelions in my grass so that the clippings are safe to compost? I'm composting on site and wondering how concerned I should be about adding the grass clippings. Is there a weed killer that I could use that is safe to compost for a food garden? I’ve been looking into a vinegar/dish soap mix.
• (2023) Prescribed Burns in Wine Country How wine growers and fire managers can work together to reduce prescribed burn smoke damage to vineyards.
• (2023) Applying hydrated lime to my garden?
• (2021) Agricultural composting and water quality Learn how to conduct efficient, cost-effective, on-farm composting that presents reduced risk to surface and groundwater quality.
• (2023) Understanding Soil Health and Biota for Farm and Garden Like sunlight, water and air, soils are the foundation of life on Earth. Learn how soils link plants, the atmosphere, agriculture, food security, health, the economy and the environment.
• (2008) Tools for rapid market assessments Learn several methods to gain insight on farmers markets.
• (2023) Testing strips for soil acidity?
• (2022) Walnut leaves: Safe for composting?
• (2016) Cómo evaluar y reducir el peligro del plomo en los huertos y jardines Esta publicación está diseñada para ayudar a los propietarios de viviendas a evaluar y manejar el peligro del plomo en su paisaje o jardín.
  
• (2022) Suppressing Spotted-wing Drosophila Egg-laying with Micro-sprinkler Insecticide Application in Highbush Blueberry Micro-sprinkler application of certain pesticides suppresses spotted-wing drosophila in highbush blueberries. However, those same pesticides applied by backpack sprayers provide better control.
• (2022) Spotted-wing Drosophila, Relative Rankings and Seasonal Strategies for Insecticide Use Researchers around the country have ranked the effectiveness of the most-used pesticides to control spotted-wing drosophila populations in the field. These recommendations are focused on controlling immature and adult life stages of SWD.
• (2021) Chicken Tractors: Moveable Flocks Help Manage Orchard Pests It can be difficult to manage insect pests and weeds in an orchard, where tilling is not an option. Could scratching, foraging chickens be part of the solution? In this study, researchers deployed two types of hens against insect larvae and weeds in an apple orchard. The chickens were housed in a "chicken tractor" that could be moved around the rows of trees. Results show that chickens can be a useful tool in some settings.
• (2021) Pest Alert: Spotted Lanternfly is an Invasive Insect That May Impact Oregon Spotted Lanternfly has a broad range of plant hosts, including grape, stone fruits, apple, ornamental species, maple, black walnut, willow and rose. Nymphs and adults are phloem feeders. They suck sap from young stems and leaves, which can cause wilting and plant stress. High numbers of Spotted Lanternfly can reduce photosynthesis, weaken the plant and eventually contribute to the host plant’s death.
• (2021) Testing and Tracking the Spread of Grapevine Red Blotch Virus in Oregon Vineyards Grapevine red blotch virus (GRVB) is one of about 80 viruses infecting wine grapes worldwide. It may affect fruit ripening and thus impact the quality of finished wines. GRBV incidence increased from two to 10 times annually in the Willamette Valley and Southern Oregon vineyards sampled and studied from 2014 to 2016
• (2020) Pacific Northwest Watermelon Production East of the Cascades Here are steps to successful commercial watermelon production in the Columbia Basin and other warm-climate regions of the Pacific Northwest. You’ll learn best practices for cultivar selection, site preparation, planting, pollination, irrigation, pest management (weed, insect and disease), harvest, and marketing.
• (2020) Nonlethal Bird Deterrent Strategies: Methods for reducing fruit crop losses in Oregon Bird predation is a significant threat to marketable yields in fruit crops. Loss estimates are about 10% to 20% in blueberries, 5% to 30% in cherries, and 5% to 10% in grapes. However, some vineyard sites have reported up to 50% losses. There are many avian deterrents on the market. Success with deterrents varies by site and bird species. In most cases, the best results come from a multipronged approach.
• (2020) Baseline Soil Nitrogen Mineralization: Measurement and Interpretation Baseline N mineralization refers to plant-available nitrogen release that accompanies the decomposition of soil organic matter. The rate of baseline soil N mineralization is governed by the quantity and quality of soil organic matter, as modified by soil moisture and temperature. Baseline soil N mineralization typically supplies about half of crop N uptake. Soils that have been heavily manured for many years or are naturally very high in soil organic matter can supply most of the N required for crop production. Several laboratory tests for N mineralization are available, but most are useful only as measures of relative changes in soil health, not for adjusting N fertilizer rates.
• (2020) Nutrient and Soil Health Management for Sweet Corn (Western Oregon) This guide integrates recommendations for nutrient management with cover cropping practices that promote soil health. Recommendations for nutrient rate, source, timing and placement for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, calcium, magnesium and zinc are provided for organic and conventional cropping systems. Cover cropping practices that reduce soil erosion and conserve nutrients are highlighted.
• (2019) Biocontrol of spotted-wing drosophila Biological control agents target SWD, predators, parasitoids, nematodes and microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria. Predators eat SWD, removing a substantial portion from the production system.
• (2019) Monitoring techniques for spotted-wing drosophila Commercial fruit growers use trapping to monitored for adult spotted-wing drosophila in fields and field borders. They monitor other fruits for infestation using a fruit dunk flotation technique.
• (2019) Improved chemical control strategies for spotted-wing drosophila Learn how life stages, product choice, timing and coverage impact success in the control of spotted-wing drosophila.
• (2019) Optimizing chemical control of spotted-wing drosophila What works best in the control of spotted-wing drosophila? Crop canopy and structure and the type of pesticide spray equipment help determine the effectiveness of pesticide applications.
• (2019) Noncrop host plants used by spotted-wing drosophila Dense vegetation around commercial fields creates a suitable habitat for spotted-wing drosophila, as the shade increases pressure and impacts sustainable integrated pest management strategies.
• (2019) Cultural control strategies to manage spotted-wing drosophila Cultural controls can reduce spotted-wing drosophila population pressure by modifying the microclimate within the crop so that the environment does not promote SWD reproduction and survival.
• (2019) How seasons affect population structure, behavior and risk on spotted-wing drosophila Learn how temperature affects the life cycle of spotted-wing drosophila.
• (2019) Soil Organic Matter as a Soil Health Indicator: Sampling, Testing and Interpretation Testing for soil organic matter helps you monitor soil health over time. Good soil management practices can improve soil organic matter in three to five years.
• (2019) Compost tumbler suggestions?
• (2019) OSU Organic Fertilizer & Cover Crop Calculator: Predicting Plant-available Nitrogen Describes the OSU Organic Fertilizer & Cover Crop Calculator and using it to predict plant-available nitrogen.
• (2018) Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) Information and resources about monitoring, identification, and management of spotted wing drosophila (SWD), an invasive fruit fly.
• (2019) Understanding and Preventing Sweet Cherry Fruit Cracking Fruit cracking in sweet cherries can have a severe economic impact in the Pacific Northwest, even with new optical sorters. This publication helps growers understand the causes of cracking and describes cultural practices that can minimize cracking.
• (2023) Soil Nitrate Testing for Willamette Valley Vegetable Production A soil nitrate test measures the concentration of nitrate in the soil at a specific moment in time, including nitrate originating from organic inputs, fertilizer, and soil organic matter. This publication describes how to use in-season soil nitrate testing to adjust sidedress N fertilizer application rate to match crop N requirements.
• (2023) Biosolids in dryland cropping systems Biosolid applications have long-term benefits in dryland cropping systems east of the Cascades. Learn how biosolids can benefit soil, crop and forage productivity.
• (2018) Interpreting Compost Analyses Compost can return nutrients and organic matter to the soil, a proven practice for soil health enhancement. It can improve crop growth and provide environmental benefits by improving soil tilth and the soil’s capacity to absorb and hold water and plant nutrients. This publication focuses on selecting a lab to perform compost analyses, determining which compost analyses are most relevant to your needs, assessing whether compost is sufficiently stabilized, and avoiding over overapplication of composts high in soluble salts or composts with a pH unsuited to your crop.
• (2018) Grass clippings too toxic to compost?
• (2018) Sustainable Hazelnut Production: Filbertworm Control by Mating Disruption Filbertworm is the insect pest of greatest economic importance in Oregon hazelnut production. This publication explains how to Implement mating disruption as a strategy that will reduce damage caused by filbertworm feeding. A mating disruption strategy reduces pesticide applications and protects natural enemies of secondary hazelnut pests such as filbert and hazelnut aphid.
• (2018) Are fireplace ashes good for my soil?
• (2017) How can I turn my garden into compost?
• (2017) Nutrient Management for Sustainable Vegetable Cropping Systems in Western Oregon This publication reflects over 30 years of vegetable production research conducted in the Willamette Valley. It is divided into three main sections: sustainable soil health; soil testing and nutrient management; and nitrogen management. The appendix includes detailed information on the technical aspects of fertilizer technology.
• (2016) Maggots in my compost?
• (2016) Green pea nutrient management for the Inland Northwest, east of the Cascades Learn about the management practices for east of the Cascades that are essential to optimize green pea crop response to fertilizer inputs including fertilizer placement and specific nutrients.
  
  
• (2015) Can I eat volunteer vegetables from my compost?
• (2019) Noncrop Host Plants of Spotted Wing Drosophila in North America Landscapes surrounding fruit production fields often include hedgerows, adjacent field margins, and woody or riparian areas with ornamentals, unmanaged shrubs, vines, or other plants that also produce fruits. Noncrop habitats can meet the requirements that favor Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) adults and their natural enemies: food, shelter, shade, and humidity. In addition, many noncrop fruits can support developing larvae of SWD. As populations of SWD build in noncrop hosts, these areas can become “hot spots” from which SWD can move into fields as commercial fruits begin to ripen. In some regions, these plants may be more important in post-crop dynamics by providing opportunities for late season population buildup.
• (2015) Biological Control of Black Vine Weevil Larvae in Cranberry Recommends methods for incorporating biocontrol into a management program for black vine weevil larvae.
• (2007) Understanding the Link Between Farmers' Market Size and Management Organization This report examines the relationship between the size of individual farmers' markets and the set of management tools used by farmers' markets. Farmers' markets will benefit from using the specific set of management tools and resources appropriate for the size of the market.
• (2020) Estimating Plant-Available Nitrogen Release from Cover Crops This publication assists western Oregon farmers and agricultural professionals in determining the nitrogen fertilizer replacement value of winter cover crops. Includes information on plant-available nitrogen (PAN) basics; a site-specific, step-by-step method to estimate PAN; Willamette Valley case studies; and appendices summarizing Willamette Valley cover crop research that supports these PAN estimates.
• (2022) Managing Salt-affected Soils for Crop Production Salt accumulation in soil can reduce crop yields and affect soil structure. Learn how to evaluate the salts present in soils and to select appropriate management practices to maintain soil health and crop productivity.
• (2022) Fertilizing with Biosolids Biosolids can be used to supply nutrients to crops. The nutrient content and fertilizer replacement value of biosolids and the relationship between biosolids nutrient inputs and crop removal of nutrients are described. Discusses the effects of biosolids processing on nitrogen (N) forms, organic N mineralization rates, and ammonium-N retention and explains how to convert N-availability estimates to application rates. Covers biosolids quality factors (trace element concentrations and pathogen levels), the effects of biosolids applications on soil pH and soil quality, applicable regulations, and questions about biosolids safety and application practices. Includes sources for additional information.
• (2014) Evaluating Compatibility of Horticultural Oils and Sulfur with Vineyard IPM Typhlodromus pyri is a beneficial insect and key predator of Calepitrimerus vitis in Pacific Coast vineyards. C. vitis is closely associated with short-shoot syndrome. The impact of horticultural (paraffinic) oils and sulfur on T. pyri is presented here. This publication contributes to integrated pest management and conservation of beneficial insects in Oregon coastal vineyards.
• (2024) Distribution and Monitoring of Grape Mealybug: A Key Vector of Grapevine Leafroll Disease in Oregon A pheromone lure baited with the sex pheromone of grape mealybug is the most reliable way to confirm the presence or absence of this important vector of grapevine leafroll-associated viruses.
• (2024) Field Monitoring for Leafroll Virus and Mealybug in Pacific Northwest Vineyards This publication focuses on in-field identification of signs and symptoms associated with grapevine leafroll-associated viruses and the insects that transmit them.
• (2023) Silage Corn Nutrient Management Guide for Western Oregon Silage corn is an excellent feed for dairy cattle because of its high dry-matter yield, energy content and palatability. This guide provides nutrient and lime recommendations for silage corn established after conventional tillage or with direct seeding. Recommendations are appropriate both for manured and nonmanured fields in western Oregon.
• (2024) Trapping and Identifying Mealybugs in Oregon Vineyards Vineyard managers will learn how and why to trap vine mealybugs in vineyards.
• (2020) Recognize the Symptoms and Causes of Stunted Growth in Vineyards Spring frost, herbicide drift, water or nutrient stress, diseases, and insect and mite pests can cause similar symptoms of stunting or distorted growth in grapevines. Recognizing the symptoms and distinguishing their causes is the first step in diagnosing problems and developing a management plan. With many color photos, this publication will help you identify probable causes of distorted shoot and vine growth in vineyards and direct you to other resources that can lead to solutions
• (2023) Postharvest Soil Nitrate Testing for Manured Grass and Silage Corn (West of the Cascades) This publication describes the use of postharvest soil nitrate testing as a tool for assessment of nitrogen (N) management in manured cropping systems west of the Cascade Mountains in Oregon, Washington, and south coastal British Columbia.
• (2024) Get Actionable Results from a Soil, Plant or Environmental Testing Lab Learn how to work with an analytical laboratory to get useful results from your plant tissue, soil or water samples.
• (2016) Reducing Lead Hazard in Gardens and Play Areas Learn to evaluate and manage lead hazard in your landscape or garden. Learn how soils get contaminated with lead, how to test soil for lead contamination and how to reduce exposure to soil lead.
• (2019) Managing small-acreage horse farms in Western Oregon and Western Washington These seven steps can make your horse farm safe, efficient and environmentally friendly. Learn about horse grazing habits, pasture rotation, weed control, manure management and well water protection.
• (2003) Improving Garden Soils with Organic Matter 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.
• (2024) Composting chicken manure?
• (2013) Can I compost in freezing temperatures?