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Agriculture & Natural Resources
[Image: EBR ANR]
The Agriculture and Natural Resource programs in East Baton Rouge Parish serve homeowners, small farmers, livestock owners, and timberland owners by providing them with up-to-date, research-based information about insect pest management, weed control, plant disease control, turfgrass and shade tree care, animal health, crop varieties, and soil ammendment.
Soil Sample Information
The LSU AgCenter provides soil sample analysis for home gardeners as well as farmers. Samples are tested and evaluated to determine levels of nutrients and minerals, as well as soil pH. The results are customized to indicate the optimum levels of nutritents and pH neede by the crop or plant for which the soil is being sampled/ If, for example, the grower wishes to plant roses, the recommendation he or she receives from his or her County Agent, based upon the soil sample analysis, will reflect that particular crop.
Follow these simple steps to have you soil tested:
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For an average garden of about 1/2 of an acre, take five to six samples at a depth to 4 inches. Mix the samples in a bucket or other clean container, and pour the contents into a small container or plastic bag. Be sure the total volume of the soil at least a cup.
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Bring the sample(s), along with $7.00 per sample (payable either by check or exact change) to the East Baton Rouge Parish Cooperative Extension Service office at 805 St. Louis St.
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Fill out the soil information sheet provided by our office.
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Soil samples are then taken to the LSU campus for analysis. After approximately ten days, the results will be mailed to the address indicated on the soil information sheet. You have the option of providing an e-mail address on the soil information sheet, and if you choose this option, your results will also be sent to you electronically, in the form of an e-mail attachment, the day they are completed at the soil lab.
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Any questions you may have regarding your soil analysis results may be directed to your East Baton Rouge Parish Cooperative Extension Service office at (225) 389-3055. One of our County Agents will assist you in ammending your soil to provide the optimum growth medium for your plants.
Private Pesticide Applicator's License
To obtain a Private Pesticide Applicator's license which will enable you to purchase restricted pesticides and herbicides for spraying home gardens and lawns:
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The East Baton Rouge Parish office has two study guides available for clients who wish to study for the test. Your deposit of $5.00 per study guide will be reimbursed to you should you choose to return the guides to our office after you finish using them.
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After studying, you can come to our office to take the test, which consists of 100 multiple-choice questions.
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The test is then faxed to the Department of Agriculture and Forestry to be graded. If a score of 70% or above is obtained, you will be notified by mail on how to proceed with the licensing process. The cost of the license is $25.00.
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Your Private Pesticide Applicator license will be valid for approximately three years. If you do not allow your license to expire, you will be eligible to renew it prior to the March 31st expiration date by attending a 3-hour recertification meeting. The recertification meeting is held annually, in either February or March.
For More Information Contact:
Terrence Marshall
County Agent
Southern University Agricultural Center
tmarshall@agcenter.lsu.edu
Rob Trawick
Associate County Agent, Horticulture
LSU AgCenter Extension Service
rtrawick@agcenter.lsu.edu
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| Posted on: 4/26/2005 2:50:27 PM |
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