Program highlights

Soil testing

Don’t guess. Soil tests save time and money.

Soil testing is the best guide to the wise and efficient use of fertilizer and soil amendments, said Manjula Nathan, director of the University of Missouri Extension Soil Testing and Plant Diagnostic Services.

Whether you grow acres of row crops or have a vegetable patch in the backyard, a soil test will provide you with an analysis of nutrients and a set of recommendations for any improvements. 

“We frequently get questions from customers like, ‘I apply fertilizer every year. How come my plants are not doing well?’” Nathan said.

“Most of the time the problem is they never have done a soil test, but have been guessing on fertilizer requirements,” she said. “They do not realize that by guessing they are wasting money by over- or underapplication, and the excess fertilizer can end up in streams, ponds and underground water, polluting the environment.” 

Cost for soil testing is $15 per sample.

 Private Pesticide Applicator Training

Private Applicator Training (PAT) will be available in office by appointment. Call 417-326-4916 to schedule an appointment for renewal or a new license.

Trees add value to your landscape

Trees can provide your home with shade, wind protection and visual appeal. They can reduce energy costs, provide recreation for children and habitat for wildlife.

Newly planted trees need special attention, and not all trees are suitable for all conditions. MU Extension’s horticulture experts have developed a series of publications to help you choose the right tree and get it established.

G6800, Selecting Landscape Plants: Shade Trees
G6805, Selecting Landscape Plants: Flowering Trees
G6810, Selecting Landscape Plants: Uncommon Trees for Specimen Plantings
G6815, Selecting Landscape Plants: Needled Evergreens
G6820, Selecting Landscape Plants: Broad-leaved Evergreens
G6850, How to Plant a Tree

Polk County Fair June 21-23

Polk County Fair Book (PDF)

News

Southwest Missouri News provides timely articles from the past 90 days about MU Extension programs in the region and informational articles from specialists located in southwest Missouri.