Author: David Coffey
Planning Unit: Jackson County CES
Major Program: Soil testing
Plan of Work: Agriculture Production and Marketing
Outcome: Long-Term Outcome
In continuation of an existing program, the Jackson county agriculture agent has partnered with the Jackson county soil conservation district to offer free soil testing services once again. In a year like 2022, when fertilizer prices are at record highs, soil testing and correct nutrient application are more important than ever. This year with, in addition to the soil testing services, the Jackson county agriculture agent has offered three programs about fertilizer and soil testing to help producers understand how to be the most economical when purchasing fertilizer. Through these programs, 46 producers were educated on fertilizer application and soil testing. They learned to compare costs of blends vs. ingredients, read soil tests, take representative samples, and nitrogen schedules. Since the programs began the extension office has seen a large spike in the number of soil tests being submitted. The Jackson County agriculture agent has made 44 sample recommendations in the two weeks since the programs took place and are waiting for nearly 50 more to return from UK soils laboratory. Producers who have received their analysis have said that they saved between 50 and 75 dollars per acre by going by the recommendations on the soil test results rather than what they had originally planned. In the 44 samples received, 660 acres were represented, meaning that this program has saved producers nearly $40,000 this year county wide, with more still to come throughout the spring. Since Starting free soil testing in 2018, 65 producers have adopted the practices of maintaining soil health and bi-annual soil testing.
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