Converting a Golf Course to Farmland - Ask Extension
Hello!
Can you tell me if it is possible to convert golf course land to suitable farm land or even organic land? My concerns of course, are the yea...
Knowledgebase
Converting a Golf Course to Farmland #869429
Asked May 21, 2024, 11:08 AM EDT
Hello!
Can you tell me if it is possible to convert golf course land to suitable farm land or even organic land? My concerns of course, are the years of chemicals applied to this land. Do you know if there is anything else I should be aware?
Thanks so much!
Clackamas County Oregon
Expert Response
I would start with a soil test using this publication: A Guide to Collecting Soil Samples for Farms and Gardens
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/ec-628-guide-collecting-soil-samples-farms-gardens.
There is a link to a list of labs at the end of the publication. I would do a routine soil sample and also sample for heavy metals.
Mapping out the land to note where paths, sand traps, and other areas where the soil was removed will be helpful in figuring out areas for planting.
What crops are you planning to produce? To convert conventional land to organic takes at least three years and there are organic specialists at OSU that could support you with the transition.
You could also ask for a list of chemicals used on the golf course and then research their residual properties. You can look up details on the herbicides in the PNW Weed Handbook https://pnwhandbooks.org/weed.
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/ec-628-guide-collecting-soil-samples-farms-gardens.
There is a link to a list of labs at the end of the publication. I would do a routine soil sample and also sample for heavy metals.
Mapping out the land to note where paths, sand traps, and other areas where the soil was removed will be helpful in figuring out areas for planting.
What crops are you planning to produce? To convert conventional land to organic takes at least three years and there are organic specialists at OSU that could support you with the transition.
You could also ask for a list of chemicals used on the golf course and then research their residual properties. You can look up details on the herbicides in the PNW Weed Handbook https://pnwhandbooks.org/weed.
