Alaska Cooperative Extension Service
As the state's gateway to its university system, Extension serves some 80,000 Alaskans annually, providing a link between Alaska's diverse people and communities by interpreting and extending relevant university, research-based knowledge in an understandable and usable form to the public. Created in 1930 as a department within the Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines, our relationship with the university continues today within the Office of the Provost. UAF's public service and community engagement role is filled in part by Extension educators, faculty and staff located in Anchorage, Bethel, Delta Junction, Fairbanks, Glennallen, Juneau, Kodiak, Nome, Palmer, Sitka, Soldotna and affiliate offices with the Tanana Chiefs Conference, Eielson Air Force Base, Thorne Bay, and the Delta Mine Training Center. UAF's Extension is part of the largest informal education system in the world, connecting Extension programs at land-grant colleges and universities in every U.S. territory and state. Extension offers hundreds of publications, written and produced by university specialists, which contain practical information of interest to Alaska residents. Many publications are free and available online. Major program areas include: agriculture and horticulture; health, home and family development; natural resources and community development; 4-H and youth development. While we may not have an Extension office located in every Alaska community, Extension educators are as close as your computer or phone. To find out how we can help you, browse our site or contact the local Extension office nearest you. We know you will find the people friendly and the information useful.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service programs are available to all without regard to race, color, age, sex, creed, national origin, or disability and in accordance with all applicable federal laws. Provided in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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Recent Submissions
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High tunnel production of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and snap beans (Phaseolus vulgaris l.) in a High Latitude locationFairbanks, Alaska (lat. 64°49’N) has a short, variable growing season which necessitates alternative growing techniques for reliable vegetable production. Air and soil temperatures, relative humidity, light penetration, and management requirements were evaluated for a double bay high tunnel [15.8 m wide × 3.7 m high × 14.6 m long]. Mean air temperature was 0.5 °C and soil 1.2 °C higher in the high tunnel than the adjacent field, but differences varied with ventilation and heating practices. Yield and growth characteristics of lettuce (Lactuca sativa: ‘Paris Island cos’ and ‘Two Star’) and snap beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.: ‘Concesa’ and ‘Provider’) were evaluated. Lettuce was frost hardy in the open field, prone to bolting in the high tunnel, and in general did not benefit from the high tunnel environment, except in quality due to cleanliness. ‘Concesa’ produced significantly more in the high tunnel compared with the field (P < 0.005). ‘Provider’, produced more in the high tunnel in 2006 compared to the field, but differences were not statistically significant over two seasons. The perceived benefits of high tunnel production included protection from frost, wind, pest, and rain, improved yields depending on crop and cultivar, and decreased weed emergence and moisture accumulation.
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Cereals For Forage Production At Point MacKenzieResearch history on the soils in the Point MacKenzie project area is limited when compared to many other agricultural areas in Alaska. However, four years of soil fertility and forage production data has been compiled. The basis for information included here is research carried out on the research tract at Point MacKenzie by the staff at the Palmer Research Center. This information coupled with many years of breeding and crop selection data from the nearby Matanuska Valley, make preliminary recommendations possible.
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Diseases of Economic Crops In AlaskaInspection and control of imported plant materials will assist in preventing diseases from entering Alaska.
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Will Lime Improve Your Soil?Soil Testing Service, University of Alaska, 1956
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Factors to Consider in Selecting a Soil Testing LabThis factsheet provides guidelines for selecting which tests one should use and finding soil testing laboratories that perform those tests. It is a fantastic tool for Alaskans as it highlights available options for tests, types of tests and testing facilities. Laboratory contact information is included.
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Soil SamplingThis publication gives step-by-step instructions for sampling soil on your property. It gives the why, where and how of sampling, along with information necessary for having a sample analyzed.
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Managing Alaska SoilsThis publication is for the gardener who wants to gain a more thorough understanding of soil basics, including soil components, texture, structure, water permeability and chemistry. There is also information on soil fertility and plant nutrients.
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Hoop Houses in Rural Alaska: Twenty Questions and Answers to Get You StartedThis publication addresses the most common questions people have when considering whether to build a hoop house. There is information on the sizes and shapes of hoop houses, the cost of building and/or shipping a hoop house, ease of construction, sunlight and heat requirements, advice on what kind of production to expect, and much more.
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Growing Potatoes in the Alaska GardenPotatoes are a great crop for Alaska gardens because they are easy to grow and have a high yield per square foot. This publication includes tips on planting, growing, harvesting and storing potatoes as well as suggestions for cooking and preparing them.
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Mycorrhizae in the Alaska LandscapeThis publication explains how mycorrhiza, an important relationship between plant roots and certain types of fungi, can improve the plant's growth and provide protection from certain root diseases.