…grazing lands, organic agriculture systems and soil health. Since 2004, USDA has invested more than $297 million for 732 projects. This year’s projects include plans to develop a system that…
Benefits of Sustainably Harvesting Non-timber Forest Products
…are harvested in all types of forest, grassland, and wetland environments. Changes in forest dynamics, including soil moisture and temperature, may impact populations and ranges of non-timber forest species, particularly…
New Test Can Determine Nitrogen Levels in Soil
…analysis of soil-test biological activity (STBA). Soil is not an inert, dead plot of dirt; it contains many living organisms that enhance the soil’s ability to make nutrients available to…
Making and Maintaining Double Reach Rows
…the soil into wider rows. Just remember to move across the slope (on contour) rather than with it so that the water doesn’t drain and erode the landscape. Garden rows…
Ants Good and Bad for Your Garden
…food for birds, lizards, and other beneficials. Their tunnels aerate the soil and allow water and nutrients to flow directly to the plant roots. They also distribute seeds by storing…
Straw Bale Makes for Low Maintenance Gardening
A straw bale is a great way to create a garden if your space is limited and you don’t want to mess with soil. This low maintenance method will create…
Source of Lettuce Linked to E. Coli Outbreak Identified
…over as of June 28. After the collection of water, soil and manure samples from the Yuma region the CDC determined that an irrigation canal contained the specific strain of…
Why Aeration is Important for the Garden
In soil, aeration refers to the extent of air gaps. Aerated soil will equate to happier plants with plenty of oxygen. That can be as important as water, sun, and…
Cover Crop Efficacy Highlighted in Colusa County
…to know what was going on in his soil,” said NRCS District Conservationist for Colusa County Wendy Krehbiel. “I think he was on his third year of trying a new…
Ganaz, GroGuru Win Radicle Automation Challenge
…Ganaz, who lets farms recruit farmworkers with a few taps from their smartphone, and GroGuru, who offers a precision soil and irrigation monitoring system, participated in the Radicle Automation Challenge…
Foods to Grow on a Balcony
…containers or hanging baskets. Try all sorts of Lettuce varieties – which do not require a lot of space or soil. A grapevine just needs a bit of space on…
Help Your Summer Garden Survive the Heat Wave
…or a shady tree. Water often – but try not to over-water. Blanket the soil in your garden with about 2 to 3 inches of mulch so you’ll have to…
Maximizing Cover Crop Benefits for Growers
The Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Lockeford Plant Materials Center conducts trials year-round to find plants and mixes that producers can successfully use to improve their soils. Lockeford PMC Manager Margaret…
Celebrating California Invasive Species Action Week
…removal and restoration projects. Using certified “weed-free” hay, seed, mulch, soil, and gravel can be helpful in combatting invasive species, along with choosing to plant only native and other non-invasive…