Extension Notes: Soil sample early this year

By: Rebecca Konopka
Carter County Extension Agent

Soil tests are the only way to ensure your ground has the nutrients it needs for the upcoming growing season, and with the current high input costs, it could help you save money. We are encouraging producers to submit these samples to us as early as possible this year to ensure your results are back before you need to make your first spring application. The University of Kentucky is down a soil testing lab due to the Dec.10 tornado that destroyed the Research and Education Center in Princeton. UK’s Lexington Soil Testing Laboratory will be analyzing all samples until further notice. As March is expected to be extremely busy, earlier submission of samples to the lab is highly encouraged. 

Depending on what you plan to produce, you will need to take different kinds of soil samples. Production agriculture fields, lawns, gardens, fruit trees and ornamentals all have unique fertility and soil pH requirements. Collect at least 10 soil cores in small areas. Larger fields may need at least 20 soil cores. Soil samples will also have different depths depending on the tillage system you use. Samples from tilled areas, gardens, ornamentals and fruit trees, should be taken at least 6 to 8 inches deep. Collect soil samples about 4 inches deep in no-till fields and home lawns. 

Extension agents can help you collect the proper samples and may even have sample bags and soil probes that you can use. Submit soil samples to UK through your local extension office. Agents will send the samples to UK for testing and can help you interpret the results. More information on soil samples is available at the Carter County office of the UK Cooperative Extension Service. Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.  

Upcoming Events

• Northeast Area Livestock Association Meeting – January 25th @ 6:00 PM – A Cattle Market Update and Implications presentation will be provided by Dr. Kenny Burdine, UK Agricultural Economics.    
• Floral Care & Arranging Workshop – January 26th @ 12:30 PM – Think you might receive fresh flowers for Valentine’s Day?   Come learn some tips to keep them looking great longer.   Participants will also make a small arrangement to take home with them.   Preregistration required by calling 474-6686.   
• Estate Planning Basics – January 27th @ 6:00 PM – Call 474-6686 to register.  
• Ag Advancement Council – January 31st @ 6:00 PM 
• Ag Development Board – January 31st @ 7:00 PM 
• Little Sandy Beekeepers Association – February 1st @ 6:00 via Zoom.  Call 474-6686 to request the zoom link.  Joni Nelson will be speaking about the KSU Small-Scale Farm Grant program.    
• Rootstock – Now is the time to order pear and M7A apple rootstock for spring grafting.   All rootstock is $1.50 each.  This program enables small fruit producers to group orders and purchase the rootstock at a cheaper price.   Grafting demo sessions will be held to help those who order learn to graft their own rootstock.   Grafting tools will also be available for checkout for those that order.  Orders will be taken until February 1st or until sold out.  Call 474-6686 to place your order.   Checks can be made payable to the Carter County Agriculture Council and mailed to the Extension Office.   
• Private Pesticide Applicator Training – February 3 @ 9:00 AM – Call 474-6686 to register.   
• Extension Building Committee & District Board Meetings – February 7 @ 10:00 AM 
• Berry Plants – The Extension Office is also accepting orders through February 25th for strawberry, raspberry, and blackberry plants.   Call 474-6686 to request an order form.