The NCDA&CS Agronomic Services Division helps farmers and homeowners optimize growing conditions whether that is a crop, lawn or garden. Now is a great time of year for homeowners to submit their soil samples for quicker turnaround time.

• Some people may not know that our department does soil testing to help farmers and homeowners determine what soil nutrients are needed to optimize growing conditions.
• By submitting a soil sample, the Agronomic Services lab can analyze the soil and based on what you want to grow provide guidance on what nutrients may be needed.
• Right now, is a great time for homeowners to submit soil samples for their lawn and gardens because they can be processed more quickly and you will receive results more quickly.
• Getting results now can help you prepare for your fall gardens and also determine what nutrients you may need to add to your lawn. The Agronomic recommendations take the guesswork out of nutrient applications.
• So, you only add what is needed to optimize growth. This is important because over applying some nutrients can adversely affect plant growth by potentially causing problems with micronutrient availability.
• Having your results now will also allow plenty of time to plan to apply lime and fertilize.
• Lime works best if incorporated several months prior to planting since its reaction time is not immediate. Unlike fertilizer, however, lime can be applied at any time when it’s recommended.
• If fertilizer is recommended, it would need to be applied closer to planting time and during the actual growing season.
• If you have not submitted a soil sample for several years or if you have never submitted one, you can go online at our Agronomic Services web page and read more about taking a good sample and how to submit it.
• Soil testing is free for North Carolina residents.