EVERETT, Wash. – The Growing Groceries series of 10 extension gardening classes starts Sept. 30 and Nov. 11 with soil health and fertility. Participants who bring a soil sample to the first class will discuss lab results at the second class.
By Amy Veneziano, Undergraduate Education PULLMAN, Wash. – Having studied soil contamination and its effect on food sources worldwide, it seems fitting that Ph.D. student Patrick Freeze of Washington State University should win a Fulbright grant during the United Nations International Year of Soil.
By Kate Halstead, WSU Extension MONROE, Wash. – On-site generation of energy and soil enhancements from organic waste will be demonstrated at a free Anaerobic Digestion Bioenergy Field Day 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, at Willie Green’s Organic Farm, 19501 Tualco Rd., Monroe, (www.williegreens.org).
By Seth Truscott, College of Agricultural, Human & Natural Resource Sciences PULLMAN, Wash. – Researchers know that adding natural buffers to the farm landscape can stop soil from vanishing. Now a scientist at Washington State University has found that more buffers are better, both for pleasing the eye and slowing erosion.
By Cathy McKenzie, WSU Mount Vernon MOUNT VERNON, Wash. – Soil from area growers is being tested through mid-February at Washington State University Mount Vernon to determine field suitability for planting spinach seed in spring. Meanwhile, related spinach disease research recently was accepted for publication.
KENNEWICK, Wash. – Discounted registration is open through Jan. 5 for the 2015 Pacific Northwest Oilseed and Direct Seed Cropping Systems Conference, where new and proven strategies to improve crop production and income generation will be highlighted.
By Cathy McKenzie, WSU Mount Vernon MOUNT VERNON, Wash. – Growers in the fertile Skagit Valley have reported drops in historical beet seed yields of as much as 50 percent, according to Lindsey du Toit, vegetable seed pathologist at Washington State University. While disease and herbicides may cause isolated problems, researchers recently determined that poor […]
By Sylvia Kantor, College of Agricultural, Human & Natural Resource Sciences PULLMAN, Wash. – For farmers, especially organic farmers, who are increasingly challenged by food safety guidelines, dung beetles could provide an elegant solution to a vexing problem. Entomologists at Washington State University are investigating whether the insects could suppress harmful foodborne pathogens in the […]
By Kate Wilhite, College of Agricultural, Human & Natural Resource Sciences PULLMAN, Wash. – A national conference addressing the effects of manure from agricultural operations on water, air, soil and climate is calling for abstracts. “Waste to Worth” will take place March 31–April 3 in Seattle. The deadline for abstracts is Nov. 17.
By Sylvia Kantor, College of Agricultural, Human & Natural Resource Sciences OLYMPIA, Wash. – Carefully managed cattle grazing can improve weed control, plant health and plant diversity on native prairies, according to anecdotal evidence. However, no systematic study has attempted to track the impacts of managed grazing on native prairie plant communities in western Washington […]