Author: Joshua McGrath
Major Program: Soils
In 2019 Dr. Bill Raun at Oklahoma State University with support from faculty at Purdue, University of Tennessee, and Virginia Tech successfully nominated me for the ASA Agronomic Education and Extension Award, which recognizes excellence in extension, with emphasis on the individual's educational innovations or unique approaches developed and used successfully to encourage learning, with demonstrated ability to communicate. This recognition meant more to me than any other I’ve re
I developed this publication in cooperation with Edwin Ritchey to supplement the 4-H Land Judging in Kentucky publication (4BA-08MH). We developed this publication to provide more detail for 4H students and their coaches when determining soil texture by feel. However, it has apparently expanded well beyond our target audience here in Kentucky. The UKnowledge dashboard reports that users from 155 countries and 961 institutions downloaded the publication 10,755 times, since 2014. Just
Author: James Morgeson
The Cooperative Extension Service recommends soil testing every few years to determine the proper nutrient management strategies for farm and gardens alike. The Horticulture Agent recommends this as well when working with clients whether it be for vegetable gardens, landscapes, or forage and row crops. The Horticulture Agent has noticed that there had been a drop off in the number of soil tests in his county. He also noticed that many of the soil tests that were being done had very high pH
Author: Matthew Adams
The success of any crop requires planning and efficient use of all required resources. One of the most important resources in agriculture is fertilizer. Whether it is applied through a commercial product or an organic source such as animal manure, a baseline is needed to enable the producer to efficiently and economically apply any type of fertilizer. Soil testing is the only way to accurately set up this baseline.The soil testing program in Hardin County has been free to resident
Author: Edwin Ritchey
This publication was developed to supplement the 4-H Land Judging in Kentucky publication (4BA-08MH). The publication was to provide greater guidance in determining soil texture. It is used by 4-H students and coaches, but also extensively by other clientele throughout the nation and world. According to UKnowledge Author Dashboard this publication has been downloaded 10,755 times, at 961 institutions and in 155 countries since authored in late 2014. Further, it has been downloaded 1,676 at 85 in
Author: Thomas Miller
Just after the closure of the state from corona virus and working from home, Tom Miller, Ballard County ANR agent had a call from a producer asking if he would look at a farm that was for sale and advise the producer on the suitability of including it in his farming operation. They met at the farm and while socially distancing, walked the property. After questioning the producer, Mr. Miller had some drawbacks about the suitability of the site for the producer’s main crop- alfal
Author: Benjamin Conner
While more of the population is growing up in an urban/suburban landscape, less are being exposed to agriculture and natural resources. According to the 2010 Census data, 32.5% of the total population in Scott County live in rural areas, thus 67.5% live in urban/suburban areas. Soil is a fundamental necessity to agriculture and natural resources. The extension agent took part of the Royal Spring Middle School Conservation Education Tour which was organized by the Scott County Conservation Distri
Author: Benjamin Rudy
Fulton County Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent, Ben Rudy visited the 2ng grade classes at Fulton County Elementary School after while they were studying a science lesson on soil and its importance. During his demonstration, he utilized an apple to represent the earth and slicing portions of the apple to represent how the earth in utilized by different percentages. Here is a breakdown of earth in percentages that was presented to the class by slicing the apple into smaller
Author: Clay Stamm
Soil Sampling. When most people think of an Agriculture Extension Agent this is one of the first services that they associate with the occupation, and rightfully so considering the average Extension Service in Kentucky will evaluate anywhere from 200-1000 soil sample results per year. As simple, and straight forward as these test and results may be for extension agents and longtime Kentucky farmers, interpreting these results presents a roadblock when a language barrier is present.I was able to
Author: Chadwick Conway
Soil testing can save money for farmers and homeowners as it is a chemical summary of their soil. It allows them to receive an insight into the insignificant and significant issues involving the number of nutrients needed for various plants to grow. Once the soil sample is collected and sent to The UK Soils Laboratory, they will then analyze and recommend what if any amount of nutritional supplements need to be added to the soil. Each sample is analyzed for calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphor
Each year the Knott County Agriculture Agent teaches a fall class on Cold Crops and Cover Crops. This class covers various topics, such as, what crops can be grown in the fall and how to extend fresh vegetables later into the season. This class is always an interest to many gardeners who are looking at ways to increase the availability of fresh local foods. Although, this a great part of the class, it allows the agent to educate the participants on the importance of cover crops for t
