Soil Test Challenges: Two Ways

From the San Juan Islands Conservation District

Soil Challenge: Two Categories!

1)  Spring 2012 – Follow-up Testing
This category of testing is limited to those who submitted samples to be tested in the Fall of 2011 and showed deficient fertility.  Limit one test per landowner.  Only 20 tests in total for this category for the Spring testing will be sent to the lab.

Cost is $5 per test for shipping and handling. The San Juan Islands Conservation District (SJICD) will provide cost share for the additional $34.  We have limited funds for this category so first in, first served!  The Test Request Form may be downloaded from our website – www.sanjuanislandscd.org.

2) Spring 2012 – New Testing
Testing for those who DID NOT TEST in the of Fall 2011.  Limit one test per landowner. Cost is $39 per test. The normal cost is $59 for this test and agronomist recommendations. Our original Fall testing deal was not offered by the lab this time and this is the best deal we could get! The Test Request Form may be downloaded from our website – www.sanjuanislandscd.org.

The Challenge

• Have you ever tested your soil?
• Have you made changes since last fall?
• How fertile is your soil now?
• How does it compare with previous tests?
• Other landowners?

The only way to know if you are managing your soil well is to begin with a soil test.  Results are emailed to you and the best improved results will be posted at the San Juan County Fair!

How to Participate:

• Soil samples must be taken between May 15th – June 21st.
• Re-tests should be from the same area testing in Fall 2011.
• New tests should be from an area of interest that is in production or will be this year-for example, a pasture, a market garden, or an orchard.
• Drop-off samples, test request form & check at the San Juan Islands Conservation District, 540 Guard Street, Friday Harbor, WA or WSU Extension Office, 221 Weber Way, #LL, Friday Harbor.

Make checks made payable to San Juan Islands Conservation District. All samples will be sent to AgSource Cooperative Services Laboratory. The same lab will be used for all tests. Results will be emailed and presented at the 2012 San Juan County Fair in August.

Deadline for Spring Soil Sample Submissions – June 21.

Sponsored by AgSource Cooperative Services Laboratory, Umatilla, Ore., The San Juan Islands Conservation District, Friday Harbor, Washington State University, San Juan County Extension.

For more information, call 360-378-6621 or visit the office at 540 Guard Street, #150 in Friday Harbor, check our web site at www.sanjuanislandscd.org or email us at info@sanjuanislandscd.org