Improving Soils and Cover Crops

Even though different soils have some properties that cannot be changed, such as texture, soil quality can be improved by implementing good management strategies. Soils can be improved for water holding capacity, drainage, structure, and even the ability for plant roots to penetrate through the soil.

Improving Garden Soils with Organic Matter

This publication will help you understand the importance of soil organic matter levels to good plant performance. It contains suggestions for suitable soil amendments. Any soil, no matter how compacted, can be improved through the addition of organic matter. The result will be a better environment for almost any kind of plant.

Willamette Valley Soil Quality Score Card Guide

Farmers and other land managers need reliable methods to assess soil quality so they can make management decisions that maintain long-term soil productivity. A group of Oregon farmers has identified 10 soil quality indicators for the Willamette Valley that can assess the impact of soil management. The indicators are specific to the cropping systems of the Willamette Valley. Take a look at the guide’s preview and decide if it may be a good resource for you.

Building Soils for Better Crops - SARE publication

Cover Crops

Using Cover Crops in Oregon

Currently, this publication is only available in print. Learn about the benefits and drawbacks of cover cropping and how to choose the right cover crop. Covers planting, relay interplanting, herbicide and pesticide considerations, conservation tillage, mowing, allelopathy, pests, and cover crop suppression and incorporation. Describes a method for estimating the nitrogen (N) contribution of cover crops to a following crop. Provides information on the varieties, environmental range, uses, dry matter and N accumulation, pest interactions, and management of 15 Oregon cover crops.

Cover Crops for Home Gardens (html)

Common Oregon Cover Crops:

• Annual Ryegrass (html)
• Barley, Oats, Triticale, and Wheat (html)
• Buckwheat (html)
• Cereal Rye (html)
• Common Vetch (html)
• Crimson Clover (html)
• Fava Bean (html)
• Field Pea (html)
• Hairy Vetch (html)
• Rapeseed (html)
• Red Clover (html)
• Subterranean Clovers (html)
• Sudangrass and Sorghum-Sudangrass Hybrids (html)

Cover Crop Weed Suppression in Annual Rotations (html)

Nitrogen Scavenging: Using Cover Crops to Reduce Nitrate Leaching in Western Oregon (html)

Cover Crop Dry Matter and Nitrogen Accumulation in Western Oregon (html)

Cover Crop Nitrogen for Vegetable Crops (Available only online) (pdf)

Cover Crops in Vegetable Systems – WSU Research Project

Managing Cover Crops Profitably - SARE Publication

Northeast Cover Crop Handbook – Rodale Institute order form

Farmers and their Innovative Cover Cropping Techniques - video – University of Vermont

Cover Crops for Vegetable Growers – Kansas State University

UC Cover Crop Resource Page

Composting

Soils & Compost

Healthy soils can improve crop and livestock production. Check out the ATTRA website for several valuable resources.

Backyard composting

Oregon DEQ Compost Information

The Compost Connection - Washington State University – Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources