Soil Testing Campaign Now Open

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service of Fayette, Washington, Austin and Colorado Counties are conducting an urban and homeowner soil testing campaign March 31-April 11. All plants need adequate amounts of nutrients to grow and flourish. Some plants have different soil requirements, for example, are you trying to produce vibrant flowers, an immaculate turf for the yard of the month, or to grow the best produce in the county? A soil test can narrow down what is available to the plants you grow in order to make balanced fertilizer applications that will help them thrive.

Homeowners who wish to participate can pick up testing forms and soil sample bags at the following locations:

• Fayette County Extension Service Office, 255 Svoboda Ln, Ste. 134, La Grange;

• Washington County Extension Service Office, 1305 E. Blue Bell Rd. Brenham;

• Colorado County Extension Service Office, 316 Spring St, Columbus;

•Austin County Extension Service Office, 800 East Wendt St. Bellville.

Soil Testing

Two types of soil tests for ag producers will be offered at a reduced rate for this campaign. The routine analysis will cost $8 per sample which will tell you the pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, sodium, and conductivity of the soil sample. The routine and micronutrient analysis will cost $15 per sample. This will give you a reading of the levels of zinc, iron, copper and manganese, in addition to the elements analyzed in the routine sample. Soil samples may be brought to the Extension Office during normal business hours starting March 31 - April 11 by 5 p.m. The samples will be analyzed by the TAMU Soil, Water, and Forage Testing Laboratory in College Station. Results will be mailed to your home address.

Soil testing probes are available at the Extension Office to assist with sample collections.

Deliver all samples to your County Extension Office by 5 p.m. on April 11. Payment is required when you drop off your samples. Please make checks payable to: BMGA.