Soils And Compost

Moss landing and elkhorn slough
Salinas Valley Agriculture: Article

Evaluation of Heavy Metals in Agricultural Fields following the Moss Landing Battery Fire

March 26, 2025
By Michael D Cahn, Richard F Smith
Summary: This limited study indicated that a slight deposition of metals (Copper and Manganese) may have occurred in one agricultural field, but the increases measured in the surface samples were likely insignificant relative to normal background levels for these soil types. Other sites showed no increase in…
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banner mulch
UC Marin Master Gardeners: Page

Mulch

Mulch is material placed on top of soil to cover and protect it, improve soil structure and fertility, and enhance the areas overall appearance.
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Garden soil held in open hands
UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County: Page

Soil Testing

Soil testing isn’t always needed, but when you want to have one done, this page provides options about how to do it.
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Banner Compost A
UC Marin Master Gardeners: Page

Compost

Composting is the process of turning kitchen and yard waste and other organic materials into a decomposed soil amendment. It is a natural process that provides beneficial microbes and is a key ingredient in organic gardening and farming.
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Beads of water on a green leaf, Canva image
UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County: Page

Watering Hydrophobic Soil

Many potting soils become hydrophobictending to repel waterwhen they dry out, and are difficult to re-wet. Gardeners may see water draining out the bottom of a pot and assume that means that the soil is saturated.
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Banner compost A
UC Marin Master Gardeners: Page

Other Soil Amendments

Credit: UC ANR A soil amendment is any material added to soil to improve its physical properties, such as water retention, permeability, drainage, aeration, and structure. They can also be used to modify soil pH. There are lots of different materials available you can use to improve your soil.
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