Samples now accepted for Harrison County soil testing drive
Residents can drop off samples until July 26
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office in Harrison County is hosting a soil testing drive throughout the month of July.
The drive allows residents to learn about soil content so they may be better informed when making planting decisions for home gardens, landscapes or lawns.
Samples will be delivered to the AgriLife Extension Soil, Water and Forage Testing Laboratory where they will be analyzed for existing nutrients and deficiencies, salinity and acidity. They will be accepted until July 26 at the AgriLife Extension office, 2005 Warren Drive, Marshall.
The cost is $12 per sample and can be paid by check. Checks must be made payable to “Soil Testing Laboratory.” No cash or credit cards will be accepted.
Instructions to collect soil testing samples
Residents need to collect their samples in a sandwich-sized plastic bag, then complete the appropriate sample submission order forms and make payments at the office.
To collect a soil sample core, residents can either use a shovel or a gardening trowel to make a small slice into the ground. Then, make a 1-inch-wide strip from the center of the slice to create the core.
After making the core, residents need to remove any grass or thatch that is at the top, add the core to the sampling bucket, and return any remaining soil into the hole.
It is recommended that residents collect at least 10 sample cores. Mix the collected samples in the bucket and pour into the bag to the top.
For more information on the soil collection drive or how to collect samples, call the AgriLife Extension office at 903-935-8413.
