Testing your soil annually is crucial for maintaining its health and ensuring optimal plant growth, whether you’re gardening, farming, or managing a landscape. Over time, soil nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can become imbalanced due to plant growth, weather conditions, or irrigation. By testing the soil each year, you can determine which nutrients need to be replenished, ensuring plants have what they need to thrive. It also helps monitor soil pH, which directly affects nutrient availability to plants. Whether your soil is too acidic or too alkaline, annual testing allows you to adjust it accordingly to suit the plants you’re growing. This process helps prevent over-fertilization, which can not only harm plant life but also cause environmental issues such as water contamination. Furthermore, soil tests can detect harmful contaminants like heavy metals or chemicals, ensuring your soil is safe for planting.
For hay and livestock producers, soil testing plays an even more vital role in maintaining healthy pastures. Producing high-quality hay and pasture grass is key for all hay and livestock operations, and the best way to determine the proper type and amount of fertilizer needed each year is to start with a soil test. Correct fertilizer application, both in terms of amount and timing, greatly enhances hay quality and growth, making soil testing an investment in your crop’s success.
From November 1st to November 18th, Austin County landowners have the opportunity to participate in the annual soil testing campaign for their hay meadows and pastureland. Sponsored by the Beef & Forage Committees of Austin and Colorado Counties, the soil test drive encourages producers to submit soil samples during this time frame. A routine soil analysis is available for $8.00, and an analysis including micronutrients costs $15.00.
Samples and payments can be turned in at the locations below. If you need soil sample bags or information forms they are also available at each of the locations below.
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – 800 E Wendt St, Bellville, TX 77418
- Bellville Farm & Ranch – 1304 E Hacienda St, Bellville, TX 77418
- Linseisen’s Feed & Supply Inc. – 551 W Main St, Bellville, TX 77418
- Steinhauser’s in Sealy – 228 E Front St, Sealy, TX 77474
- 4M Farm & Feed in New Ulm – 447 Cedar St, New Ulm, TX 78950
- Lindemann’s Store in Industry – 7745 Ernst Pkwy, Industry, TX 78944
For more information or questions, contact Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent Stacie Villarreal at 979-865-2072.
