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Direct observation of sediment and carbon connectivity: evaluating degradation pathways, conservation implementation and true cost accounting

Soil erosion is the first order measure of agricultural soil sustainability. Clear economic incentives and accounting of public and private true cost are needed to identify pathways from conventional to transformational, biologically intensive management. Erosion occurs disproportionately from critical source areas, but the spatial distribution and temporal variability in erosion mechanisms are not well characterized. […]

Developing Elementary-Level Curriculum in Soil (Health) Appreciation

It’s our Future that’s at stake” was the rallying cry of tens of thousands of students in cities nationwide just a few days ago as they coordinated a global climate strike. The youth of the world are worried, and rightly so, regarding the future of our planet.  This is why targeting elementary-age students with a […]

Human Health from Soil to Society: Barley β-glucan and glycemic control

Our proposed work directly addresses the Sustaining Health Grand Challenge through the initiation of the first collaborative study between CAHNRS and ESFCOM, utilizing our Soil to Society research pipeline: including plant breeding and varietal development for nutritional characteristics and evaluating effectiveness in improving human health and well-being. Novel barley varieties high in the soluble fiber […]

Rotating out of weeds and into soil health: Optimizing cover crops in three Columbia Basin organic production systems

Weeds cause extensive loss in agricultural production and are particularly damaging in organic systems. Control generally relies on mechanical cultivation which reduces soil carbon, decimates soil fauna, and increases erosion potential. Cover cropping, a biologically intensive practice, can be an effective tool to reduce weed pressure and improve soil quality, but it also introduces new […]

Evaluating Commercial Specialty Mushroom Production Feasibility for Diversified Farms and Small Woodland Owners in Western WA

Forest-grown specialty mushroom production may be an economical, low-impact, ecologically-appropriate enterprise for diversified farms and small woodland owners in western WA and the greater western Pacific Northwest (PNW). Nonetheless, to date, there has been little Extension research, publications, or formalized programs in the PNW on this subject as a commercial enterprise. In contrast, several northeastern […]

Development of multi-scale remote sensing methodologies to classify and monitor riparian vegetation structure and composition to improve agricultural sustainability

Sustainable agriculture in Washington State (WA) pushes to be economically viable while being environmentally responsible through improvements made to both on- and off-farm practices. Riparian (streamside) conservation measures are a primary off-farm field strategy to protect and enhance ecosystem functions and values, such as improving water quality and creating wildlife habitat. Two significant state administered […]

Water, Land, and Nutrient Use Efficiency for Intercropping Systems in the Dryland Pacific Northwest

In order to feed 9 billion people by the year 2050 current agricultural systems will need major increases in water, nutrient, and land use efficiencies. The monoculture production systems currently prevalent in developed countries will no longer be able to adequately support the population. Intensified agriculture will be required to replace and augment current production […]

Evaluating regulated deficit irrigation in cider apple orchards for improved water use efficiency, reduced labor input, and improved fruit quality

Irrigation efficiency is a priority for sustainable orchard management. Regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) is a management strategy that has been shown to conserve water, reduce vegetative growth and pruning costs, reduce leaching of agrochemicals into groundwater, and improve fruit quality attributes. In apple specifically, fruit quality effects of RDI have included reduced fruit size and […]

High-throughput screening of forage crops for environmentally sustainable crop production

Improving the sustainability of agriculture requires a wide range of research from the basic to the applied, from molecular to whole organism, and from field to system level. In-field studies are irreplaceable for gaining knowledge of best practices, varieties, rotations, crop mixtures, and other factors that will make real differences in agricultural productivity and environmental […]

Cider Sensory Evaluation Guide: A Peer-reviewed Extension Publication For Cider makers, Cider distributors, and Researchers

Knowledge of the underlying factors of cider’s sensory characteristics and the techniques for assessment is critical to the consistent production of high-quality end product. Our research-based peer-reviewed guide provides an understanding both the theory and practice of cider evaluation, information that provides a much needed foundation for teaching or studying the principles of cider making. […]