Research Archive: WSU Puyallup’s legacy of urban and organic systems research

Biosolids (archive content)

Biosolids are stabilized solids from municipal wastewater treatment that meet federal criteria for land application and can provide valuable plant nutrients.

Pastured Poultry (archive content)

Raising pastured poultry is a simple way to integrate livestock onto small farms. This page summarizes our experience with small-scale pastured poultry production on our organically certified land at WSU Puyallup from 2005-2012.

Gardening (archive content)

The main WSU Gardening Resource website has many excellent publications and resources for Gardeners, including the Master Gardener’s program.  WSU Puyallup’s past work includes Nutrients and Amendments for Organic and Non-Organic Gardens, Cover Crops, Lead Contamination, Raised Beds, Biosolids, and Parking Strip Gardens.

Soil Quality (archive content)

A 2006 WSU Puyallup-led study at Full Circle Farm in Carnation, WA describes how soil texture affects the soil food web. Each site was analyzed for soil texture, bulk density, nitrogen, organic matter, and the soil food web.

Urban Soils (archive content)

Urban soils in areas affected by development are often poor environments for plant growth and pose runoff harm to the aquatic environment. 2006-2010 research projects focused on compost amendment of landscape soils to improve soil quality and plant growth.

Manure (archive content)

Manure is a valuable source of nutrients and organic matter. We have assessed the nutrient values suitability for crop production of different manure sources.

Yard Waste Materials (archive content)

Land application of partially composted material reduces compost facility overloading and directs nutrients and organic matter to local farmers. Past field experiments identify application rates to meet crop nutritional needs and improve soil quality.