Soils
Selected Readings and Content
- Soil and Plant Nutrition: A Gardener’s Perspective, by Lois Berg Stack, Ornamental Horticulture Specialist, University of Maine Cooperative Extension
UMaine Extension Bulletins
- Applying Fertilizers on Your Home Gardens, Bulletin #2287
- Guidelines for Using Manure on Vegetable Gardens, Bulletin #2510
- Lead in the Soil, Bulletin #2281
- Soil Organic Matter, Bulletin #2288
- Testing Your Soil, Bulletin #2286
- Tips for Purchasing Soil for Gardens and Landscape Projects, Bulletin #2283
UMaine Extension Videos
- Garden Safety in Maine
- Putting the Garden to Bed
- Soil Testing at the University of Maine
- Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), Explained
Additional UMaine Resources
- Analytical Laboratory and Maine Soil Testing Service
- Characteristics of Common Natural Fertilizers
- Cover Crops and Green Manures
- Interpreting Soil Test Results for Gardens and Grounds, Bruce Hoskins, Assistant Scientist of Plant, Soil, and Environmental Sciences, University of Maine
- Recommended Organic Nutrient Sources for Home Gardens & Grounds (Excel), Bruce Hoskins, Assistant Scientist of Plant, Soil, and Environmental Sciences, University of Maine
- Selecting Fertilizers Based on Soil Test Results
- MOFGA fact sheets — Look for:
- Using Green Manures
- Natural Sources of Plant Nutrients
- An Organic Farmer’s Guide to the Interpretation of a Standard Soil Test from the University of Maine
Additional Resources
- Building Soils for Better Crops, SARE: A one-of-a-kind, practical guide to ecological soil management, now expanded and in full color. It provides step-by-step information on soil-improving practices as well as in-depth background — from what soil is to the importance of organic matter. Case studies of farmers from across the country provide inspiring examples of how soil — and whole farms — have been renewed through these techniques. A must-read for farmers, educators, and students alike. Free download available.
- Interactive soil map, UCDavis
- Measurement Conversion Chart and pH Preference Table (PDF), University of Maryland
- Organic Matter Management, University of Minnesota Extension
- Soil Biology Primer, Natural Resources Conservation Service
- Soil Health/Soil Quality, Explained
- Web Soil Survey, Natural Resources Conservation Service
- Soil Society of America