Crop, garden growers encouraged to test soil

By LYNN MONTGOMERY | East Texas Edition

-Staff photo by Lori Cope

February 20, 2003 -- As springtime approaches, many are thinking about planting. With those thoughts should come the question, "When is the last time I did a soil sample?"

"Too often we fertilize our pastures and hay meadows and do not know if we have met the nutritional needs of the plants," Bowie County Extension Agent Eric Lum said.

"How many of us would jump in our vehicle today and try to drive from here to New York City without first consulting a map, and using that map to guide us to our destination," Lum continued. "We wouldn't even think about doing that and yet each year we do this exact same thing with our soil fertility."

Soil testing is really quiet simple, Extension agents say. Supplies needed to take the sample are a five-gallon bucket and a shovel. Lum recommends a sharp-shooter shovel because it dig deeper. People can get soil sample bagging materials from any county Extension office.

In the field randomly take from 6 to 10, or even more, samples of soil which is simply digging up the soil. "The worse thing a person could do would be to (dig) one spot in the field," Lum said. "I tell them to make a 'Z' or 'X' in the field. The more spots covered, the better the sample."

Place the samples in the bucket and mix together. Fill one bag with the mixed soil.

After the soil has been placed in the bag and sealed, mail it to the lab's address written on the bag. The labs are located at Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches or Texas A&M in College Station. The cost is $10 per sample for testing and the payment will need to be sent with the sample.

"The key is to continue to use the same lab when sending your soil sample because they (the lab) are going to use the same procedures for testing every time and in doing so, you can build a history of your soil," Lum added.

The basic soil test evaluates nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, magnesium, calcium, salinity and pH.

"It usually takes around 10 to 14 days for a response. Many producers are confused when they get their results and find it difficult to interpret the results. I (or any Extension agent) will be glad to discuss the current nutrient status of the soil and what nutrients are needed," Lum said.

A soil test is good for three years, the agent concluded.