Producers are reminded that the Kleberg-Kenedy AgriLIFE Extension office in Kingsville has announced the annual Coastal Bend Soil Test Campaign for row and forage crop producers.

The campaign runs through November 30, 2009 for submitting soil samples for this special program. Lawn and landscape samples are not eligible.

To determine fertility needs on cropland and pastureland, a soil test is highly recommended.

Even though the cost of commercial fertilizers today especially nitrogen and phosphate have gone down somewhat, it becomes very important for not only saving money but to minimize possible environmental problems down the road.

So not only can you save money on soil sampling but you may be able to save money on the amount of fertilizer that you have to apply on a given field. Proper sampling is also important.

Subsamples should be gathered on each 40 – 50 acres at a depth of 0-6 inches.

They should be mixed together in a plastic bucket and the sample be placed in a plastic baggie or bag supplied by the AgriLIFE Extension.

The number of subsamples depends on the amount of acres, landscape, and different soil types within the field(s).

Soil samples will be analyzed by the Texas A&M University Soils Testing Laboratory for a reduced fee of $6/sample for the routine analysis and $10.00/sample for the micro-nutrient test during this special campaign.

Soils samples should be dropped off at the Kleberg-Kenedy AgriLIFE Extension Office at 729 East Yoakum and checks made payable to Kleberg-Kenedy Program Development Fund.

Please contact the local extension office for any questions concerning this campaign at 595-8566.

Once the samples are gathered, a soil information form is filled out with pertinent information pertaining to the sample.

A form can be obtained on the internet, local extension office or Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office.

Previous fertilizer history and the crops or grass to be grown and yield goal is some of the information required in order for the lab to make sound fertility recommendations.

So take the guess work out of budgeting nutrients for the next crop or pasture.

A soil test determines the amount of nutrients in the soil so that a recommendation can be made by trained specialists based on yield goals and other factors.

Nutrient management is managing the amount, source, placement, form and timing of the application of plant nutrients and soil amendments.

The purpose of this practice is to budget and supply nutrients for plant production, to minimize agricultural nonpoint source pollution of surface and ground water resources, and to maintain or improve the physical, chemical and biological condition of soil.

The local Kleberg- Kenedy Soil and Water Conservation District has a technician employed to assist with gathering of the soil samples.

Get those samples gathered and delivered to the Extension Office before Nov. 30.

The NRCS is here to help in developing nutrient management plans to fit specific crop or pasture needs and may be able to even save some money.

For more information, contact the office located at 401 East King Ave., Suite 100 in Kingsville or call at 592-0309 Ext. 3.