Agriculture & Natural Resources

Soil Testing

Determining the fertility level of a soil through a soil test is the first step in planning a sound lime and fertilizer program. Most Georgia soils are low in pH and/or one of the essential plant nutrients. Therefore, to maintain normal plant growth, lime and fertilizer must be applied in sufficient quantity to meet the crop requirement. A soil test is the best means available to determine this requirement. Soil sample bag

Instructions for Taking Soil Sample

1. With a spade, trowel, auger, or soil sampling tube, take a thin vertical slice or core of soil from at least 10-20 different places in the area to be tested. Combine, mix thoroughly together, and fill the soil sample bag to the FILL LINE. Fold top to FILL LINE and fasten metal flaps securely to avoid spillage during shipment.

2. For row crops sample to plow depth; for lawns and turf and pasture surface 4" depth; gardens surface 6' depth; orchards surface 8 to 12" depth and pecan groves surface 6 to 8" depth. For more detailed information on soil sampling guidelines, contact your county Extension office.

3. One sample should represent no more than 15 acres. If more than one soil type is present within sampling area, take a separate sample from each soil type. Avoid sampling high and low spots, areas along roads, old fence rows, fertilizer bands, etc. Sample problem areas separately.

4. Complete the items requested on the front of the bag and return sample to your county agent.

For more information, view The Soil Testing the Easy Way YouTube video.

Soil Sample pricing:

Each soil sample - $12.00
Cash, Check, or Money Order only

Water Testing

Water samples can also be tested for a variety of purposes. The basic water test checks for pH, water hardness, and the presence of 16 minerals. There are several water tests available, below are our most popular:

Basic/Routine Water Test: $30.00
Total Coliform: $50.00
Expanded Water Test: $70.00
Home Loan Closing Test (Bacteria, Lead, Nitrite, & Nitrate): $100.00
Department of Public Health: Private Well Chemical Test: $135.00
Fish Pond General Water Quality: $45.00
GA Certification for Drinking Water Providers: $150.00

Contact our office for more water tests, instructions, and pricing information.

*Water test bottles/kits must be picked up from our office to provide accurate samples for testing. Payment for Water Testing is due at time of picking up test kits in form of cash, check, or money order only. (checks made payable to Liberty County Extension Services).

TIMES FOR PRUNING...

Park bench in front of a row of pink azalea bushes

http://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.cfm?number=B949#Time

Grass lawn bordered by trees and flowering bushes

VEGETABLE GARDEN CALENDAR

Vegetable illustrations

http://aem.extension.uga.edu:4502/cf#/content/extension/
county-offices/liberty/agriculture-and-natural-resources.html

Key to diseases of Oaks in landscape

http://extension.uga.edu/publications/files/pdf/B%201286_3.PDF

Deer Tolerant Ornamental Plants

http://extension.uga.edu/publications/files/pdf/C%20985_2.PDF

Ask your ANR Agent a question

Certified Pesticide Applicator State of Georgia emblem

GA PESTICIDE LICENSE INFO...

Please read all instructions and bring application, certification of citizenship and copy of driver's license to our office for submission to GA Dept of Agriculture.

If prompted for "Enrollment Key" please enter: PPE2014

Any further questions, feel free to contact us.

Soil and Water Info

Your Household Water Quality: Odors in Your Water (C 1016) Homeowners sometimes experience unpleasant odors in their household water. In many cases, the exact cause of the odor is difficult to determine by water testing; however, this publication provides a few general recommendations for treating some common causes of household water odors.
Understanding Laboratory Wastewater Tests: I. Organics (BOD, COD, TOC, O&G) (C 992) For most people a complete understanding of the standard methods required to accurately complete critical wastewater analytical tests is not necessary. However, a fundamental understanding of the theory behind and working knowledge of the basic procedures used for each test, and the answers to commonly asked questions about each test can be a valuable tool for anyone involved in generating, monitoring, treating or discharging process wastewater.
Disinfecting Your Well Water: Shock Chlorination (C 858-4) Shock chlorination is the process by which home water systems such as wells, springs, and cisterns are disinfected using household liquid bleach (or chlorine). Shock chlorination is the most widely recommended means of treating bacterial contamination in home water systems. This publication contains guidelines for safely and effectively using shock chlorination -- a standard treatment for sanitizing your well system.

FAQ's

Important Hurricane Information and Resources

http://www.caes.uga.edu/topics/disasters/hurricane/

Below are some of UGA Extension's most broadly useful resources for those involved in agriculture on the farm, in schools, and around the home.

Production Agriculture:

Statewide Variety Testing Which varieties should you plant? The variety testing team does the work and research for farmers.

UGA Weather Network Reliable weather information for agricultural and environmental applications, including soil temperature, rainfall, wind speed, and more.

Pesticide Safety Education Everything you need to achieve certification and maintain the knowledge to safely and effectively make use of restricted-use and all other types of pesticides.

Commodity Resources

Sustainable Agriculture A collection of resources for those interested in production and marketing practices that are profitable, environmentally sound, and that improve the quality of life for farmers, farm workers, and the community.

Ag Budgets and Economics Resources for production economics, farm management, marketing, situation and outlook, risk management, financial management, farm policy, labor, and taxation.

Farmgate Value Report Annual county-level reports documenting the value of all food and fiber commodities grown in the state.

Search for UGA Extension Publications

Home & Garden:

Soil Testing Ensure that your soil is productive! Get your soil tested to determine the amount and kind of nutrients that should be added for the best growth.

Pest Management Recommendations for pest control around homes, on pets, in the home garden, and more.

Household Water Quality Water quality has an immediate and a prolonged effect on the health of your household. This publication series contains basic information about home water quality and treatment.

Home Garden Publication Series Topics include garden planning, soil preparation, weed control, pollination, disease and insect control, harvesting, and preserving.

Georgia Green Industry Professional Development The UGA Center for Urban Agriculture offers professional training and certifications for the Georgia Certified Landscape Professional, Georgia Certified Plant Professional exam and Super Crew employee training series.

Georgia Green Landscape Stewards The Georgia Green Landscape Stewards program provides fact-based information to help businesses and residences in Georgia implement sustainable green practices in their landscape.

Schools:

Community and School Gardens This Community and School Gardens blog is designed to help community and school gardeners succeed by connecting them to UGA Extension and other research-based resources.

Lesson Plans and Teacher Resources Whether you'd like to help protect the environment, teach your students how to avoid chronic diseases with healthy food and physical activity, or train food handlers in your cafeteria, University of Georgia Extension can help.

Translation Disclaimer