Chapter ELEVEN

SOILS

Oregon soils are very important because of the role they play in the state's economy. Oregon recently declared their official state soil, Jory soil. Jory soil is red in color and is found on over 300,000 acres in the state. It is one of over 2,000 soils found in Oregon. 
Jory soil is mainly found in western Oregon and was developed on Columbia River Basalt bedrock. That bedrock originated from eastern Oregon lava flows. Jory soil is able to produce a variety of crops and have high productivity. This soil is able to sustain orchards, vineyards, and forests. 

Trees growing on Jory soil.

Jory soil is considered to be the best soil to produce Pinot Noir, the Pinot Noir produced in the state has won international and national awards. Most of the vineyards in the state are found on Jory soil. Jory soil is found in counties such as; Clackamas, Polk, Linn, Douglas, Marion, Lane, Yamhill, Washington and Benton.

Another soil found in the state is Stony Loam soil. This soil is a result of lake bed sediments carried by glaciers. This type of soil is most commonly seen in Baker County.

A quarter of all economic activity in the state comes from forestry and agriculture, both industries depend on soil. These industries make about $38 billion annually for the state and support over 200,000 jobs. 



Sources:
Affeld, Marlene. "Soil Types for Oregon." EHow. Demand Media, 29 Mar. 2010. Web. 21 Nov. 2012. <http://www.ehow.com/list_6151718_soil-types-oregon.html>.

"News Releases No 2011.06-003 | Oregon NRCS." News Releases No 2011.06-003 | Oregon NRCS. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2012. <http://www.or.nrcs.usda.gov/news/releases/2011/NR_2011-06-003.html>.

"Oregon Soils." Soils. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2012. <http://www.or.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/soil/>.

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"Resources." Oregon AITC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2012. <http://aitc.oregonstate.edu/teachers/soils/resources.htm>.