RALEIGH, N.C. — In response to rising fertilizer costs and increasing grower interest in soil health practices, the N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services’ Agronomic Services Division has released a new step-by-step guide to help farmers measure the nutrient value of their cover crops and reduce fertilizer inputs.
RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Agronomic Services Lab will raise some of its testing fees beginning March 2, with most increases ranging from $3 to $5 depending on test.
RALEIGH -- Fall is a time of planting or preparation for the upcoming growing season. That means it is also a good time to submit soil samples to the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for agronomic advice specific to what you are growing.
After four years of extensive testing, the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is employing a new method for analyzing nitrogen in swine, dairy and poultry lagoon samples that will produce quicker more accurate results, reduce costs and increase safety for employees conducting tests.
The lab recently moved from Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) testing to the Total Nitrogen by chemiluminescence (TNb) method for analyzing nitrogen in manure.
RALEIGH -- Successful production of tobacco transplants starts with good water quality and with getting the right nutrient levels in the float solution. Growers preparing for transplant production should begin by having their source water tested by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services soil testing lab is about to hit its busy season and growers and homeowners are encouraged to submit soil samples by Nov. 26 to avoid peak-season fees and to get results and recommendations sooner. Peak-season fees will be waived for the Western counties impacted by Hurricane Helene.
By David H. Hardy & Joe Hudyncia, Agronomic Division – NCDA&CS
Luke Gatiboni, Crop & Soil Science Department– NC State University
Hurricane Helene caused great devastation throughout much of western North Carolina and farm fields were not spared. There are reports of impacts to fields in all landscape positions. This situation calls for a vigilant approach to soil and crop management that includes assessment on a field-by-field basis.
The weather is warming up and gardening and lawn activities will soon be in full swing, which may include taking soil samples to be tested for agronomic recommendations for many growers and homeowners.
In order to optimize growth, fruit quality and economic return, commercial strawberry production requires intensive and precise fertilization throughout the season.