Urban and Homeowner Soil Testing Campaign Runs Through March 4

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service of Fayette, Washington, Austin, and Colorado Counties are conducting an urban and homeowner soil testing campaign Feb. 10 through March 4. 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 yard of the month, or to grow the best produce in the county? A soil test can narrow down what is avail able to the plants you grow to make balanced fertilizer applications that will help them thrive.

Homeowners who wish to participant 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 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 starting Feb. 10 through March 4 at 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 March 4.

Payment is required when you drop off your samples. Make checks payable to Multi-County Ag Fund. Forms must be filled out completely in order to get the discounted rate.