Ongoing research

UC Cooperative Extension Sonoma County: Page

Soil Resources

Soil Sampling & TestingGuidance on how to collect representative soil samples and interpret lab results for soil nutrients and other properties. Accurate sampling and testing are essential for making informed fertility and soil management decisions. Click on the links below for more information. How…
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4-H member posing with his animal
Cooperative Extension Ventura County: Event

Small and Large Animal Field Day

May 17, 2026

Small and Large Animal Field Day  Members have the opportunity to practice their showmanship skills with their animals, have some fun activity add-ons like a photo contest, educational poster contest, costume contest, egg decorating, and body parts knowledge tests. This helps them to prepare for…
Cooperative Extension Ventura County
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UC Cooperative Extension Sonoma County: Page

Water Resources

Water Quality, Sampling, and Testing  The following resources provide guidance on how to properly collect and analyze water samples to assess agricultural water suitability. Water quality parameters (e.g., nutrients, salts, metals) affect crops and soil health. Understanding water quality is critical…
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UC Master Food Preservers of Central Sierra: Article

Preserve it! Series: How to Size Canning Jars Up or Down

May 7, 2026
Adjustments to recipe canning jar sizes is possible, within guidelines Is it possible to make changes to recommended canning jar sizes when canning your favorite recipes? In the case of canning with smaller jars, the answer is yes, you may safely size down and use a smaller jar. However, larger jar…
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UC Master Food Preservers of Central Sierra: Article

Preserve it! Series: Baking in Canning Jars is Unsafe

May 7, 2026
Canning Basics: Canning jar manufacturers specifically recommend against using their jars in the oven. Baking in canning jars (aka mason jars) is an unsafe practice, despite those cute pictures of miniature pies and cakes you see on the internet, especially around the holidays. Why? Canning jars are not…
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UC Master Food Preservers of Central Sierra: Article

Preserve it! Series: Is it okay to wash canning jars in the dishwasher?

May 7, 2026
Washing and sterilizing are two different things. Is it okay to wash canning jars in the dishwasher? Sure, it’s a convenient option, especially if you have a lot of jars to clean, and it’s a good way to keep the jars hot until they’re ready to be filled and go into the canner. (And just a reminder that…
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