[Image: Soil Sample]The LSU AgCenter tests soil, potting mix, agricultural/aquacultural water and plants for farmers and home gardeners. These samples are tested and evaluated for nutrients and minerals in the soil, water or plants, along with the soil pH, and the results are customized for whatever crop or plant that is to be grown.
To have your soil tested, follow these steps:
(1) For an average garden of about 1/8 of an acre, take five to six samples at a depth ranging from the top of the surface to 6 inches. Mix the samples in a bucket or other container and pour the contents into a small container or plastic bag. Be sure the total volume of the soil is at least one pint.
(2) For row crops and pastures, take a sample 6 inches deep for every acre in the field. Take samples at several locations in the field. Try to take samples from locations that represent the variations in the field (some from the high, low, well drained, poorly drained, etc.) Mix the samples in a bucket, blend them together and bring a pint to the office.
(3) Bring the sample to the St. Landry Parish office located at 1065 Hwy. 749 Suite A, Opelousas, La. 70570. Bring a check or money order made out to Agronomy STPAL. Routine analysis cost $7 per sample. Additional analysis beyond routine will cost more. Cash cannot be accepted.
(4) Fill out the soil information sheet provided by the office.
Water samples are ONLY run for agricultural and aqualtural applications such as field irrigation and ponds. Water samples are not offered for drinking water or household water.
Plant analysis provides immediate diagnosis of nutrient deficiency, toxicity or imbalance. It serves as a supplemental tool to soil tests. It can monitor the effectiveness of your adopted fertilizer practices.
Plant samples should be taken at early growth stages sensitive to nutrient requirements. Depending on crops, different parts of plant are taken for diagnostic analysis. You may sample the youngest but fully mature leaves. Avoid soiled, diseased and insect-damaged or mechanically damaged plants and exclude dry and dead tissue. Please place your plant samples in paper bags (no plastic bags).
Samples are mailed to Baton Rouge for analysis. After approximately two weeks, the results will be mailed to the address indicated on the soil information sheet, and a copy of the analysis also will be sent to the parish agents in your area.
Once you get the results of your sample, if you have any questions, you can contact one of the following agricultural agents at the LSU AgCenter office in St. Landry Parish at 337-948-0561:
|
Major Crops (Rice, Soybean, Sweet Potato, Grain, Etc.) & Pasture
|
Vincent Deshotel
|
|
Garden, Landscape, Trees, Plants, Fruits/Nuts & Lawn
|
Ronald Nicholas Sr.
|