The article presents five facts about soil, ahead of the February 21st Nature Night event featuring James Cassidy. The first fact highlights Oregon’s state soil, jory. Found in the foothills around the Willamette Valley, this soil nurtures Douglas fir and Oregon white oak forests and is used for agriculture. Jory soil has a surface layer of organic material and a subsurface layer of dark reddish-brown silty clay loam.
The second fact introduces biological soil crusts, also known as cryptobiotic soils. These tiny organisms form soil crusts and include algae, cyanobacteria, and fungi. They protect soil from erosion, absorb moisture, and provide nitrogen and nutrients for plants. These crusts are common in arid and semi-arid regions, including Central Oregon.
The third fact discusses the soil in Central Oregon. Its coarse, sandy texture and lack of microorganisms make it less than ideal for plant growth. However, native plants like rabbitbrush, sagebrush, phlox, balsamroot, and others have adapted to these conditions.