Extension Service Site Publications

• (2023) Experimenting on the Farm: Introduction to Experimental Design On-farm trials help growers test if promising experiment station research results can be replicated on their farms. However, these on-farm trials must be carefully planned to ensure the results are valid.
• (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.
• (2019) Selecting successful cover crops for your hop yard This fact sheet is designed to help guide commercial hop growers in selecting cover crops. The guide discusses pros and cons for four different cover crop strategies: annual fall-planted, annual spring-planted, annual re-seeding and perennial sod. Cover crop suggestions are tailored to western Oregon climate and regional cropping practices.
• (2019) Growing Malting Barley in and Around the Willamette Valley Barley is a useful rotation crop that grows well in the Willamette Valley. But the region's craft beers and spirits generally use malting barley shipped from elsewhere. Can growers and brewers capitalize on high-quality, locally produced barley? Learn more about malting barley, study supply chain issues, and find out what you need to make it work.
• (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.