Welcome to the Atoka County's Agriculture page! Find programs and information listed below about agriculture, production and management to help your farm, ranch or garden. We are always happy to help and direct you in the right direction to best fit your needs.

 

Soil, Water and Forage Testing

The OSU Soil, Water & Forage Analytical Laboratory works in conjunction with the OSU Extension. To help serve the state of Oklahoma with testing Services, each County Extension Office is set up to take samples for analysis. You are encouraged to take your sample to your local County Extension office.

 

Benefits of Testing

Soil Testing: The Best Management Practice

• Increases productivity by identifying soil nutrients or soil chemical factors that are limiting plant growth;
• Increases fertilizer use efficiency by indicating appropriate rates for different soils and crops;
• Protects the environment by preventing over fertilization;
• Identifies polluted or contaminated soils

Water Testing

• Protects the health of people, livestock, fish and crops;
• Identifies polluted or contaminated water supplies;
• Indicates the suitability of water for various uses

Forage and Feed Testing

• Aids in identification of best management practices for forage production;
• Improves marketability of the forage;
• Increases livestock feeding efficiency;
• Prevents livestock poisoning from nitrate.

Manure and Animal Waste Testing

• Use nutrients efficiently by knowing the content of various types of manure;
• Provide information for Nutrient Management Plan development and water quality protection;
• Ensure waste treatment facility functioning properly.

Greenhouse Media Testing

• Ensure adequate and balanced nutrients;
• Maintaining appropriate pH;
• Avoid high salinity and other toxic elements building up in the media.

 

Submitting a Sample

Step 1. Obtain the proper sample bag/container from the local County Extension office. It is important for samples to be in the correct containers.

1. Properly sampled soil should be put in a soil bag. Please fill the bag. The Lab WILL NOT accept a bag less than half full.
2. Water should be put in the 4 oz plastic water bottles
3. Forage/Solid Feed/Plant Tissue should be put in the Forage Bags. Liquid feed(can only run Protein) should be put in the 4 oz plastic bottle.
4. Animal waste Solid/Compost must be put in two plastic zip bags. Liquid should be put in the 8 oz plastic container and only filled half; then the plastic container should be put in a zip bag. Liquid animal waste has a tendency to expand and can explode in transit. The plastic zip bag can help keep everything contained and not lost in transit.

Step 2. Properly Collect the sample

Step 3. Clearly mark what test is required on the sample bag tag. If you are not sure what test is needed, your local County Extension can assist with questions. They are there to help!

Step 4. Take the sample to the Extension Office. Payment is expected at time of sample drop off.

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