Forage, Soil, and Water Testing Information
Forage Test Information
Stephens County Residents can have the protein and energy in their forage tested and analyzed by OSU staff. Forage tests start at $6 and take 10 to 14 working days to get the results back from OSU. Residents can also have forage tested on site to detect for Nitrate and for detailed information a Nitrate Toxicity Test can be submitted to the OSU lab.
| Service | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Only | Protein & Moisture | $8.00 |
| Basic | Protein & MoistureADF (Acid Detergent Fiber)TDN (Total Digestible Nutrients)Net Energy for: Gain; Lactation; and Maintenance | $14.00 |
| Basic Plus RFV | Protein, Moisture, ADF, & EnergyNDF (Neutral Detergent Fiber)RFV (Relative Feed Value - for alfalfa only | $20.00 |
| Nitrate Toxicity | Nitrate & Moisture | $6.00 |
| Minerals | Ca, P, K, Mg, S, Cu, Fe and Zn | $12.00 |
| Description | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| TN, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu,Fe, Mn, and Zn | $20.00 |
| Service | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Test 1 | pH, EC, Moisture, TN, C, S, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Cu, Zn, Mn and Fe | $25.00 |
| Test 2 | NH4-N and NO3-N | $6.00 |
| Test 3 | Water Soluble P | $8.00 |
Additional Information
Soil Test Information
Stephens County Residents can have the minerals in their soil tested and analyzed by OSU staff. A routine soil test runs $10 and takes 10 to 14 working days to get the results back from OSU. After the report is returned to the county office, the Agricultural Educator will then take time to make recommendations on ways to assist in improving your soil fertility.
| Soil Fertility | ||
|---|---|---|
| Routine | pH and buffer Index (Sikora)Nitrate-NitrogenAvailable Phosphorus Index (MIII)Available Potassium Index (MIII) | $10.00 |
| Subsoil Nitrate-Nitrogen | (with submission of surface soil) | $2.00 |
| Nitrate-Nitrogen | $4.00 | |
| Secondary Nutrients | Sulfate-SulfurMagnesium and Calcium | $4.00 |
| Micronutrients | Iron, Zinc and Boron | $4.00 |
| Organic Matter | $8.00 |
| Soil Salinity | ||
|---|---|---|
| Salinity Management | (1:1 extraction for diagnostic purposes) Sodium, Calcium, pH, Boron, SAR, Magnesium, Potassium, Total Dissolved Solids, Electrical Conductivity, ESP | $25.00 |
| Comprehensive Salinity | (Saturated paste extraction) Sodium, Calcium, Chloride, Sulfate, Carbonate, pH, Boron, SAR, Magnesium, Potassium, Nitrate-Nitrogen, Electrical Conductivity, Bicarbonate, Total Dissolved Solids, ESP | $55.00 |
| Soil Texture | ||
|---|---|---|
| Textural Class (Hydrometer Method)% sand, silt, clay | $10.00 |
Why Soil Test?
All plants, including turfgrass and garden plants, need 16 essential nutrients to grow, most of them come from the soil. Plants also require favorable soil chemical conditions as indicated by the soil pH. For a lawn or garden to maintain quality or productivity, we may need to add fertilizer to supply extra nutrients or add lime to neutralize acidity and adjust the pH. A SOIL TEST identifies necessary fertilizer and lime requirements. Adding more of a nutrient than a lawn or garden needs can cost extra money and may harm the plants or contaminate the environment. The true value of a SOIL TEST is to help ensure that only needed nutrients are added and in quantities which don’t adversely affect environmental quality.
What Is A Soil Test?
A Soil Test is a chemical analysis that estimates a soil’s ability to supply nutrients. Results from a SOIL TEST allow you to monitor soil chemical conditions, tap existing nutrient supplies, identify nutrient deficiencies, and apply optimum fertilizer amounts. Based on results from your soil sample, your county Extension educator will provide you with the following information:
- Which fertilizer analysis is best for your lawn or garden. The analysis (percentage of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash) is stated on each fertilizer bag. For example: 25-3-3; contains 25 percent N, 3 percent P2O5 , and 3 percent K2O.
- How much of that fertilizer should be applied for each application.
- When during the year each application should be made.
- Whether your soil pH is in the proper range, if not how much lime is needed to adjust it to the desired range.
When Should Soil Be Tested?
The best time to evaluate the nutrient status of the soil is during a time when plants aren’t growing, although any time of year is satisfactory. In any case, it’s more environmentally friendly to SOIL TEST than to guess about which fertilizers to use. For your SOIL TEST to be as accurate as possible, collect the soil sample before fertilizer is applied and use the proper sampling procedures.
Where to Find More Information On Soil Testing?
Contact your County Extension Office for more information on Soil Testing. They will submit your samples to the OSU Soil Testing Laboratory and help you interpret the results.
Additional Information
Water Test Information
Stephens County Residents can have livestock, household and irrigation water tested and analyzed by OSU staff. Water tests start at $15 and take 10 to 14 working days to get the results back from OSU.
| Service | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Livestock | Sodium, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Sulfate, Chloride, Nitrate, pH, Hardness, Electrical Conductivity, Total Dissolved Solids | $15.00 |
| Household | Sodium, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Sulfate, Chloride, Nitrate, pH, Hardness, Electrical Conductivity, Total Dissolved Solids | $15.00 |
| Irrigation | Sodium, Calcium, Chloride, Sulfate, pH, Boron, Carbonate, SAR, Magnesium, Potassium, Nitrate, Electrical Conductivity, Total Dissolved Solids, Hardness, Bicarbonate | $15.00 |
| Homebrewer | Sodium, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Sulfate, Phosphorus, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, pH, Alkalinity, Chloride, Hardness, Electrical Conductivity, Total Dissolved Solids, Nitrate | $18.00 |
Additional Information
Additional analyses are available upon request, or check our website at www.soiltesting.okstate.edu
Submitting Samples
Soil, water and plant samples should be submitted through your County Cooperative Extension Office. They provide sample bags and water bottles and handle mailing of samples to the laboratory. Your County Extension Educators can assist with proper sampling techniques, test result interpretations, and recommendations.
Quality Assurance
Soil, water and plant samples should be submitted through your County Cooperative Extension Office. They provide sample bags and water bottles and handle mailing of samples to the laboratory. Your County Extension Educators can assist with proper sampling techniques, test result interpretations, and recommendations.
Sample Results
Most samples are processed and analyzed within three to five working days and results are posted on the internet. Forage nitrate results are posted two days after samples are received. Charges for laboratory services are billed monthly from the office through which the sample was submitted.