Soil testing, without question, is one of the most important, most effective and yet, most under-utilized—best management—practices available to agricultural producers. Assessments in some areas have indicated less than 20% of the land receiving fertilizer is soil tested on a regular basis. At the same time, fertilizer prices have increased tremendously over the last 10 years and in some cases by more than 200 percent. Selecting the best fertilizer product for a particular field and crop to determine the proper rate of application are critical to optimize production economics. This is also important to home-owners and gardeners.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension offices in Blanco, Kendall, and Gillespie Counties have joined together to plan a soil testing campaign that begins now. This allows for samples to be collected and turned into one of the above Extension offices by January 14th. The follow up program will be held in Stonewall on Feb 7th with Dr. Mark McFarland presenting the program on how to read your sample results and plan an efficient nutrient management program for your cropland or lawn and garden. This program will begin at 6:00pm at the Stonewall Chamber building. $20.00 will include one routine test, meal, and admission to the program. Additional samples may be submitted for a $7.00 per sample fee. You also have the opportunity to have the routine plus micro nutrients sample run for a fee of $14.00 per sample.

Soil sample forms, with instructions and collection bags may be picked up at ‘Odiorne’s Feed and Ranch Supply’ in Johnson City and ‘K & C Supply’ in Blanco; however, it must be dropped off at your local AgriLife Extension office with payment by Jan 14th. You may also print the form and instructions for collecting samples at Blanco.Agrilife.org under ‘Publications’ (also, see attachment above for proper submittal form). Fill a small zip-lock bag to collect the sample. You may check out a soil test probe from the Blanco County Extension office to help make your sampling easier and faster.

Producers must use all the management tools and options at their disposal to stay ahead. Soil testing is a time-tested, and proven management practice that can give producers an added economic advantage.

Educational programs of Texas A&M AgriLIFE Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U..S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating.