There will be a Backyard Chicken Program July 5th at the Texas AgriLife Research Center (1229 North US HWY 281). The program is hosted by Erath Texas AgriLife Extension Service. Registration will begin at 9:30. The Program will be from 10:00am Noon. The program topics will consist of Poultry Feeding. Egg Production, Food Safety, Handling Eggs and Housing, presented by Greg S. Archer, Associate Professor and Poultry Extension Specialist.
There will be a $10.00 registration fee for the program paid at the door.
The program will be offered for anyone wanting to learn more about Backyard Chickens. To rsvp please contact the office at 254-965-1460.
Why should I get my soil tested?
This question is asked by everyone from home gardeners planting their tomatoes to farmers planning out their crop rotations and homeowners looking to keep a lush lawn.
Jake Mowrer, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service extension associate professor, Soil Nutrient and Water Resource Management.
Soil testing is important because it determines three things: Existing nutrients of the soil.
Any nutrient deficiencies and needs.
Potential growing constraints.
Establishing the right fertilizer and nutrients Mowrer said soil tests are important to home gardeners because they provide a guide for your plants’ nutrient needs and help maximize yields efficiently.
“Soil testing does two important things. First, it measures the amount of nutrients your soil will provide to a plant during the growing season,” Mowrer said. “Second, it establishes the basis for making fertilizer recommendations to make up the difference between what the soil provides and what the plant requires to complete its growth cycle.”
Mowrer said soil reports empower gardeners to manage nutrients from fertilizers, manures, composts or other amendments in a way that ensures plant health and avoids nutrient escapes that can harm water resource quality.
Knowing the soil test results is a huge first step when looking to improve your overall plant and soil health. Something as simple as knowing which fertilizer to buy for your specific garden soil and plants could make a world of difference in your own home garden.
The benefits of testing your soil as a homeowner Soil tests can help homeowners avoid applying too little or too much fertilizer and other amendments.
“Many homeowners and landscape service providers tend to over apply fertilizers to ensure a beautiful lawn or productive garden,” Mowrer said. “However, soil testing solves the mystery with real data you can use to avoid both under-application and over-application.”
Mowrer said soil test results let homeowners accurately target their garden soil or turfgrass and flower beds nutrient needs and be environmental stewards at the same time.
With soil testing, homeowners can soon have the perfect balance of nutrients and fertilizer to sprout the home gardening projects and landscapes of their dreams.
For more information on testing your soil go to https:// soiltesting. tamu. edu/. You can also contact Extension Office at 254965-1460.