Carter County Agriculture

View information below for Soil, Water, and Forage Testing, the Master Gardener Program and the monthly agriculture newsletter.

Originally part of the Choctaw Nation in Indian Territory prior to statehood, Carter County is located on the "sunny side of the Arbuckle Mountains" in south-central Oklahoma.

Forages, beef cattle and pecan production dominate agriculture in Carter County. Of the 373,000 acres of farmland, 214,000 acres are in permanent pasture or native range, 38,800 acres are wooded and 110,000 acres are dedicated cropland.

The 110,000 cropland acres are predominately small grains, used primarily for winter grazing and hay. Small acreages are devoted to peanuts, corn, sorghum and soybeans.

The soil profile is mostly loamy, sandy, nearly level to sloping soils on uplands but ranges from very shallow, steeply sloping soils with rocky outcrops in the Arbuckle Mountains, to deep, loamy soils located on the flood plains of the Washita River, Caddo, Hickory, Walnut and Wildhorse creeks.

Agriculture is a very significant sector of the local economy, approaching approximately $30 million in sales of agricultural inputs and production annually. The secondary or indirect impact of associated sales and purchases, such as transport, distribution and employment has been shown to more than double the direct impact on the local economy. Factor analysis and other mathematical techniques show that a little less than 36% of the total employment and 29% of the total income in Carter County is attributed to agriculture.

Soil, Water, and Forage Testing

The OSU Soil, Water and Forage Analytical Laboratory works in conjunction with OSU Extension. You can drop off your soil samples at the OSU Extension Office Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm. We are closed from 12 to 1 for lunch. We are located at 25 A Street NW, Suite 200, Ardmore OK.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Routine soil sample cost?
How often should a soil be tested?

A soil test should be conducted if fertilizer is going to be applied or when problems occur during the growing season. Once every year is recommended when nitrogen fertilizer is applied, and at least once every three years if P and K are concerned.
When is the best time to take soil samples?

Soil samples can be taken anytime throughout the year for checking pH, phosphorus and potassium status. Collect soil samples 1-2 months before planting. Early spring is a good time to take soil samples for summer crops, and summer is a good time to sample for fall and winter crops. This allows time for lime recommended to react with the soil and change the pH before the crop is planted. To assess soil available nitrogen, sample as close to planting as possible. For Lawns, the late spring (May) is a good time sample for warm season grass and the summer (mid-Aug) is good for cool-season grasses.
What tools and supplies are needed to take a soil sample?
How should a soil sample be taken?

Collect a core with a probe, or a slice with a shovel, of soil from the surface to 6 inches deep from 15 random locations across the sampling area. Mix the samples together in a clean plastic bucket. Fill a sandwich size zip top bag or 3 coffee cups worth and label it with name and location. ( ie. front yard, back yard, garden, north 40, joe’s place).

For most garden areas one sample/plot should be adequate. When you return the sample to the Extension Office specify the crop you wish to grow and the yield goal (fescue lawn, Bermuda lawn, garden)

For more information, visit the fact sheet leaflet: Soil Testing…the Right First Step. Sometimes separated samples may be needed from a yard to reflect the different uses.
Can samples be taken when soils are wet?

Soil moisture does not affect the test results since samples are dried before they are analyzed. However, extremely wet soils are difficult to collect and mix. Therefore, allow soils to drain before sampling. Soils too dry are normally hard to get to the right depth.

About the Master Gardener Program

It is a volunteer training program conducted by University Extension designed to help county extension centers meet the demands for consumer horticulture information. Master Gardeners take classroom training coordinated by local extension staff with the assistance of state extension specialists located at Oklahoma State University. After classroom training is completed, program participants are involved in an internship program of volunteer service coordinated by local extension centers. Volunteer service components vary widely around the state, but in all cases are educational, extension related, and represent the interests of University Extension.

Master Gardeners have become a vital part of Extension's ability to provide consumers with up-to-date, research-based information. Master Gardening has also become a popular volunteer activity that gives its participants a sense of community spirit, accomplishment and intellectual stimulation.

Purpose of Carter County Master Gardeners Association

The primary purpose of the Association is to assist as volunteers with the horticulture program of Carter County Extension Service in the following ways:

Answering inquiries relating to horticulture for the County Extension service.
As coordinators and counselors in the Master Gardener training program.
Provide County Extension personnel horticulture services as requested wherever applicable.
It shall also provide continuing education and fellowship for members interested in horticulture.

The membership is limited to persons who have completed the Master Gardener training course. A Certified Active Master Gardener is required to achieve 20 volunteer hours and 10 education hours per year. The Certified Active Master Gardeners are the voting members of the Association. The public is welcome to take part in the Association's activities.

The Association offers it programs to all persons regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age or disability.

Interested in becoming a Master Gardener? Please contact the office about our next training session.

Carter County Ag Advisory Newsletter

This monthly newsletter provides important and timely information to farmers, ranchers, and homeowners regarding upcoming events, horticultural topics, gardening tips, livestock topics, and important agricultural updates. It is available via mail or email. Join our 300+ subscribers today!