As the new year of 2022 began, Eastern Kentucky still was dealing with concerning high levels of Covid-19 throughout our region.  The Knott County Agriculture Natural Resource Agent began looking at ways to entice gardeners to begin preparing for this years garden season.  The Agent advertised free pea seeds to those that brought in a soil sample. Soil health is very important for gardeners, but many never have a soil analysis completed to see the actual need of their soil. As many gardeners heard of the project, soil samples begin coming in from many gardeners throughout, over 30 soil samples got submitted with the free pea seed project.

Soil testing allows them to receive an insight into the 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), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), zinc (Zn), and fertilizer suggestions are made depending on the specific plant. Soil testing also saves them money, by recommending what the soil actually needs, and not applying unnecessary fertilizer. 

This service is provided by the Knott County Extension Service as a free service to Knott County residence. The extension district board does this as a service to the public to assist them and away to encourage them in maintaining their soil. Each landowner then has the information needed to make the best out of their land, whether it be used for growing various produce, raising livestock to just having a well-maintained yard. By providing the free soil tests, it gives the Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent an insight into what kind of other services that may be needed or wanted. This contact between client and agent provides an opportunity for a conversation starter, allowing each of them the chance to ask about other agriculture practices.