CORVALLIS – Adding organic matter is the best way to improve nearly all kinds of soils. If you’re unsure if your soil needs amendments, take note if it dries and cracks in summer, drains slowly or is ...

Soils lose moisture quickly during droughts because the molecular interactions that help retain water are not fully understood. Understanding this mechanism can help engineer soils to better preserve ...

One of the challenges that new residents (and seasoned ones) trying to garden in Florida come across is how to grow things in our dry sandy soils. There is more to it than applying lots of water and ...

Soil ecosystems are critical reservoirs of both organic matter and essential elements, including chlorine. The cycling of chlorine in soils involves its incorporation into organic molecules through ...

If your garden soil turns into a brick when it’s dry or a swamp when it’s wet, the plants aren’t being dramatic—the soil is.

A Christmas cactus thrives when its soil mimics its natural rainforest home—moist, airy, and fast-draining to keep roots healthy. Experts say the best mix uses regular potting soil blended with ...