Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/18
Outputs
Target Audience:The targeted audience of the programs managed under the umbrella of the soil-testing program includes county Extension agents, farmers, homeowners, various private businesses, public institutions, scientists, and the general public that may use or be interested in the services offered or results of these services. Selected personnel participate in and make presentations regarding the use of soil, plant, and manure analyses at local, state, regional, national, and international professional organizations including the Southern Extension and Research Activity Information Exchange Group (SERA-IEG 6), Tri-Societies (ASA-SSSA-CSSA) International meetings, the North American Proficiency Testing Program and Agricultural Lab Proficiency, Arkansas Plant Food Association, Arkansas Crop Protection Association, county Extension education meetings, Certified Crop Advisors, and Arkansas Crop Management Conference. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project allows for training of graduate students, farmers, consultants and interested individuals from the general public via the generation of manure, plant and soil analysis reports and lab tours. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Routine soil analyses, fertilizer and lime recommendations, and analyses of other samples analyzed for forage quality and byproduct/manure nutrient content were provided to clients with information for nutrient management planning, identifying nutrient deficiencies and toxicities, and aiding numerous local, state, and federally funded research projects. Monitoring trends in soil, plant and manure nutrient concentration and educational programs regarding sound agronomic nutrient management will assist growers in maintaining soil productivity, farm profitability, and avoid the over- and under-use of nutrients that may be economically, agronomically, and environmentally unsound. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Soil Testing Program supported agronomic and environmentally sound nutrient management practices by providing science-based, accurate analyses on a range of agricultural samples generated at the farm level; facilitated the development of new recommendations and ideas by the analysis of research samples; and fostered educational programs by summarizing annual trends in soil nutrient levels. The data collected by the laboratories is unique in that it allows scientists the ability to examine how changes in agricultural practices, nutrient management regulations, and farm economics influence the nutrient content of manures and fertility of the soil. During the 5-year project, the Marianna Soil Test Laboratory performed routine analyses on 911,849 soil samples. Crop and soil specific fertilizer and lime recommendations were provided with 246,090 samples representing 5,891,121 acres. Soil-test results from grid soil sample analysis were used by clients to manage crop nutrient programs on another 574,865 grid-soil-samples. Summaries of the annual soil test results were published each year showing county, soil association number, soil series, and previous crop specific median pH, soil-test P, soil-test K, and soil-test Zn values along with the percentage of samples classified as Very Low, Low, Medium, Optimum and Above Optimum. The results are published in the W.E. Sabbe Arkansas Soil Fertility Studies Research Series. The summary numbers indicate the Marianna lab analyzed on average 182,000 samples per year. The Marianna laboratory did not renew its certification from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality because of a change in policy by ADEQ. In 2018, we did change our proficiency testing program from the North America Proficiency Testing (NAPT) to Agricultural Lab Proficiency (ALP) because we can receive an informal certification for agricultural soil testing through this program. The Fayetteville Diagnostic Laboratory performed fee-based elemental analyses on an average of 25,277 samples per year. During the 5-year period, the lab analyzed 5,042 forage, 1,497 plant and 1,112 soil samples for diagnosis of nutrient deficiencies and/or toxicities, 5,265 dry- and 1,066 liquid-manure, 41,125 research plant, 9,282 research soil, 60,083 prepared special samples, and 1,555 strawberry petiole samples for a nutrient monitoring program with clients from several states. Samples were submitted by growers, individuals, and researchers from various institutions and industries. Databases of dry and liquid manure chemical properties were updated annually. We share this information with interested parties for a reference of mean values for nutrient management planning. The Marianna and Fayetteville labs participated in the North American Proficiency Testing (NAPT) program operated through the Soil Science Society of America for soil samples. The appropriate steps were taken to correct any analytical problems identified by the ALP program. The Diagnostic Laboratory also maintained certification by the National Forage Testing Association Certification Program and the Manure Analysis Program. Based on recent research, N recommendations were added for newly released rice varieties/hybrids, and selected recommendations for soybeans were updated. The lab continues to pursue a new Laboratory Information Management System which may be implemented in 2019.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
DeLong, R.E., N.A. Slaton, C.G. Herron, and D. Lafex. 2018. Arkansas Soil-Test Summary for Samples Collected in 2016. In: N.A. Slaton, editor, Wayne E. Sabbe Arkansas Soil Fertility Studies 2017. Ark. Agric. Exp. Stn. Res. Ser. 649. Fayetteville, AR. p.7-18.
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Progress 10/01/16 to 09/30/17
Outputs
Target Audience:The targeted audience of the programs managed under the umbrella of the soil-testing program includes county Extension agents, farmers, homeowners, various private businesses, public institutions, scientists, and the general public that may use or be interested in the services offered or results of these services. Selected personnel participate in and make presentations regarding the use of soil, plant, and manure analyses at local, state, regional, national, and international professional organizations including the Southern Extension and Research Activity Information Exchange Group (SERA-IEG 6), Tri-Societies (ASA-SSSA-CSSA) International meetings, the North American Proficiency Testing Program, Arkansas Plant Food Association, Arkansas Crop Protection Association, county Extension education meetings, and Arkansas Crop Management Conference. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project allows for training of graduate students, farmers, consultants and interested individuals from the general public via the generation of manure, plant and soil analysis reports and lab tours. We hosted the SER IEG 6 annual meeting in June 2017 and coordinated vendors for laboratory demonstration of analytical instruments and lab supplies for all meeting participants. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Reports have been mailed/emailed to clients, educational information has been published in the form of Extension publications, soil test information is summarized and published annual in Division of Agriculture publications (Research Series) and in oral and poster presentations made at field days and educational meetings. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Soil Testing Program supported agronomic and environmentally sound nutrient management practices by providing science-based, accurate analyses on a range of agricultural samples generated at the farm level; facilitated the development of new recommendations and ideas by the analysis of research samples; and fostered educational programs by summarizing annual trends in soil nutrient levels. The data collected by the laboratories is unique in that it allows scientists the ability to examine how changes in agricultural practices, nutrient management regulations, and farm economics influence the nutrient content of manures and fertility of the soil. The Marianna Soil Test Laboratory performed routine analyses on 202,679 soil samples from 1 January to 31 December 2016. Crop and soil specific fertilizer and lime recommendations were provided with 54,206 samples representing 1,294,413 acres. Soil test results from grid soil sample analysis were used by clients to manage crop nutrient programs on another 129,487 samples from grid-sampled fields. Another 17,032 samples were standard check soils and solutions analyzed for quality assurance and control purposes. A summary of the 2015 soil test results by county, soil association number, soil series, and previous crop was published in the 2016 edition of the W.E. Sabbe Arkansas Soil Fertility Studies Research Series and the 2016 summary was prepared for publication in the2017 edition. Preliminary numbers indicate the Marianna lab will analyze about 190,000 to 200,000 total samples in 2017. The Marianna laboratory renewed its certification from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to analyze soil samples according to their QA/QC protocols but the ADEQ will no longer certify the lab under its traditional program - the lab proficiency program we use (either ALP or NAPT) will serve as our certification program as recognized by ADEQ. The construction project that was started in September 2013 was completed in May 2017. The Fayetteville Diagnostic Laboratory performed fee-based elemental analyses on a total of 25,382 samples including 1130 forage, 266 plant and 263 soil samples for diagnosis of nutrient deficiencies and/or toxicities, 961 dry- and 171 liquid-manure, 10,250 research plant, 2168 research soil, and 9754 prepared special samples from 1 October 2016 through 30 September 2017. An additional 408 samples were analyzed for a strawberry nutrient monitoring program with clients from several states, a large increase over the previous year. Samples were submitted by growers, individuals, and researchers from various institutions and industries. Databases of dry and liquid manure chemical properties were updated to include information from 2016-2017 samples. We use this informaton internally and share interested parties for a reference of mean values for nutrient management planning. The Marianna and Fayetteville labs participated in the North American Proficiency Testing (NAPT) program operated through the Soil Science Society of America for soil samples. The appropriate steps were taken to correct any analytical problems identified by the NAPT program. The Diagnostic Laboratory also maintained certification by the National Forage Testing Association Certification Program and the Manure Analysis Program. Based on recent research, N recommendations were added for newly released rice varieties/hybrids, and selected recommendations for strawberries and pine trees were revised. The impact of all of the above agricultural analysis programs is aiding in applied nutrient management at the farm level or providing analytical data for research programs that are aimed at using plant, soil, and manure analyses to improve nutrient management decisions and reduce the adverse effects of nutrient use on teh surrounding environment.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
DeLong, R.E., N.A. Slaton, C.G. Herron, and D. Lafex. 2017. Soil-test and fertilizer sales data: summary for the 2016 growing season. In: N.A. Slaton, editor, Wayne E. Sabbe Arkansas Soil Fertility Studies 2016. Ark. Agric. Exp. Stn. Res. Ser. 642. Fayetteville, AR. p.7-20.
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Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16
Outputs
Target Audience:The targeted audience of the programs managed under the umbrella of the soil-testing program includes county Extension agents, farmers, homeowners, various private businesses, public institutions, scientists, and the general public that may use or be interested in the services offered or results of these services. Selected personnel participate in and make presentations regarding the use of soil, plant, and manure analyses at local, state, regional, national, and international professional organizations including the Southern Extension and Research Activity Information Exchange Group (SERA-IEG 6), Tri-Societies (ASA-SSSA-CSSA) International meetings, the North American Proficiency Testing Program, Arkansas Plant Food Association, Rice Technical Working Group, Arkansas Crop Protection Association, county Extension education meetings, and Arkansas Crop Management Conference. Changes/Problems:Construction of the new Marianna laboratory facility is far behind schedule. The Marianna lab has remained functional for the entire time of construction but the construction and limited space have compromised our efficiency.Limited progress has been made since December 2015. One long-term employee (Nancy Wolf) retired in 2016 and was replaced by Dr. John Hatten. The Marianna and Fayetteville laboratories had operated as part of the Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences Department for decades but, starting 1 July 2016, the labs were made into a single budgetary unit within the Agricultural Experiment Station. Other personnel moves were made with the change in lab assignment which include the promotion of several employees to positions of greater responsibility; Nathan Slaton as unit head; and reassignment of responsibilities for Dr. Mozaffari. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project allows for training of graduate students, farmers, consultants and interested individuals from the general public via the generation of manure, plant and soil analysis reports and lab tours. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Reports have been mailed to clients, educational information has been published in the form of Extension publications, soil test information is summarized and published annual in Division of Agriculture publications (Research Series) and in oral and poster presentations made at field days and educational meetings. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agricultures' Soil Testing Programs supported agronomic and environmentally sound nutrient management practices by providing science-based, accurate analyses on a range of agricultural samples generated at the farm level; facilitated the development of new recommendations and ideas by the analysis of research samples; and fostered educational programs by summarizing annual trends in soil nutrient levels. The data collected by the laboratories is unique in that it allows scientists the ability to examine how changes in agricultural practices, nutrient management regulations, and farm economics influence the nutrient content of manures and fertility of the soil. The Marianna Soil Test Laboratory performed routine analyses on 159,516 soil samples from 1 January to 31 December 2015. Crop and soil specific fertilizer and lime recommendations were provided with 43,625 samples representing 910,784 acres. Soil test results from grid soil sample analysis were used by soil nutrient concentrations on another 102,554 samples from grid-sampled fields. Another 13,337 samples were standard check soils and solutions analyzed for quality assurance and control. A summary of the 2014 soil test results by county, soil association number, soil series, and previous crop was published in the 2015 edition of the W.E. Sabbe Arkansas Soil Fertility Studies Research Series (2016 publication date) and the 2015 summary was prepared for publication in 2017. Preliminary numbers indicate the Marianna lab has analyzed in excessive of 200,000 samples in 2016. The Marianna laboratory renewed its certification from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality to analyze soil samples according to their QA/QC protocols. Two new Spectro Inductively Coupled Argon Plasma Spectrophotmeters were purchased to replace old or malfunctioning units and a new pH robot (12 electrodes) and pH water dispenser robot was added to the lab. The construction project that was started in September 2013 continued butis still not complete although a negotiation for completion of Phase I work has been reached. Phase II construction should begin in early 2017. The Fayetteville Diagnostic Laboratory performed fee-based elemental analyses on a total of 27,307 samples including 1099 forage, 268 plant and 268 soil samples for diagnosis of nutrient deficiencies and/or toxicities, 1098 dry- and 193 liquid-manure, 6,657 research plant, 1,602 research soil, and 15,956 prepared special samples from 1 January through 23 December 2016. An additional 150 samples were analyzed for a strawberry nutrient monitoring program with clients from several states. Samples were submitted by growers, individuals, and researchers from various institutions and industries. Databases of dry and liquid manure chemical properties were updated to include information from 2015-2016 samples. We continue to share this information with interested parties for a reference of mean values for nutrient management planning. The Marianna and Fayetteville labs participated in the North American Proficiency Testing (NAPT) program operated through the Soil Science Society of America for soil samples and the Fayetteville Lab also participated in the plant analysis proficiency program. The appropriate steps were taken to correct any analytical problems identified by the NAPT program. The Diagnostic Laboratorymaintained certification by the National Forage Testing Association Certification Program and the Manure Analysis Program. Based on recent research,N recommendations were added for newly released rice varieties/hybrids, and selected recommendations for strawberries and pine trees were revised.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
DeLong, R.E., S.D. Carroll, N.A. Slaton, M. Mozaffari, and C. Herron. 2016. Soil test and fertilizer sales data: Summary for the 2015 growing season. In: N.A. Slaton, editor, Wayne E. Sabbe Arkansas Soil Fertility Studies 2015. Ark. Agric. Exp. Stn. Res. Ser. 633. Fayetteville, AR. p.7-20.
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Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15
Outputs
Target Audience:The targeted audience of the programs managed under the umbrella of the soil-testing program include county Extension agents, farmers, homeowners, various private businesses, public institutions, scientists, and the general public that may use or be interested in offered services or results of these services. Personnel participate in and make presentations regarding the use of soil, plant, and manure analyses at local, state, regional, national, and international professional organizations including the Southern Extension and Research Activity Information Exchange Group (SERA-IEG6), Tri-Societies (ASA-SSSA-CSSA) international meetings, the NAPT program, Arkansas Plant Food Association, Arkansas Crop Protection Association, county Extension education meetings, and Arkansas Crop Management Conference. Changes/Problems:Construction of the new Marianna laboratory facility is far behind schedule. The lab has remained functional for the entire time of construction but the construction and limited space has compromised our efficiency.Progress is being made towards completion as we have moved into the new lab area, but it is still not completed. Two long-term employees retired in 2015 and have not yet been replaced. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project allows for training of graduate students, farmers, consultants and interested individuals from the general public via the generation os manure, plant and soil analysis reports and lab tours. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Reports have been mailed to clients, educational information has been published in the form of Extension publications, soil test information is summarized and published annual in Division of Agriculture publications (Research Series) and in oral and poster presentations made at field days and educational meetings. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The Marianna Soil Test Laboratory performed routine analyses on 167,988 soil samples from 1 January to 31 December 2014. Crop and soil specific fertilizer and lime recommendations were provided with 46,833 samples representing 1,311,854 acres. Soil test results from grid soil sample analysis were used by soil nutrient concentrations were determined on another 105,047 samples from grid-sampled fields and 1,145 samples submitted for research and demonstration purposes. Another 14,407 samples were standard check soils analyzed for quality assurance and control. A summary of the 2013 soil test results by county, soil association number, soil series, and previous crop will be published in the 2015 edition of the W.E. Sabbe Arkansas Soil Fertility Studies Research Series. Preliminary numbers indicate the Marianna lab has analyzed about 160,000 samples in 2015. The Marianna laboratory renewed its certification from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality to analyze soil samples according to their QA/QC protocols. No new instruments were added to the Marianna lab. The construction project that was started in September 2013 continued and the new laboratory was moved into in October 2015, but still was not accepted as complete in December 2015. Completion of Phase 1 has been delayed by about 20 months overdue to weather and contractor issues. The Fayetteville Diagnostic Laboratory performed fee-based elemental analyses on a total of 26,695 samples including 922 forage, 318 plant and 158 soil (for diagnosis of nutrient deficiencies and/or toxicities), 999 dry- and 193 liquid-manure, 9,250 research plant, 2,088 research soil, and 12,301 prepared special samples from 1 January through 23 December 2015. An additional 257 samples were analyzed for strawberry (245) and orchard (13) nutrient monitoring programs with clients from several states. Samples were submitted by growers, the individuals, and researchers from various institutions and industries. Databases of dry and liquid manure chemical properties were updated to included information from 2014-2015 samples. We continue to share this information with the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC) for a reference of mean values for nutrient management planning. The Marianna and Fayetteville labs participated in the North American Proficiency Testing (NAPT) program operated through the Soil Science Society of America for soil sample. The appropriate steps were taken to correct any analytical problems identified by the NAPT program. The Diagnostic Laboratory also maintained certification by the National Forage Testing Association Certification Program and the Manure Analysis Program. Based on recent research, the recommended P fertilizer rates for wheat followed by double-crop soybean were reduced, N recommendations were added for newly released rice varieties/hybrids, N recommendations for corn were revised, and N recommendations for winter wheat were revised.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
DeLong, R.E., S.D. Carroll, N.A. Slaton, M. Mozaffari, and C. Herron. 2015. Soil test and fertilizer sales data: Summary for the 2013 growing season. In: N.A. Slaton, editor, Wayne E. Sabbe Arkansas Soil Fertility Studies 2014. Ark. Agric. Exp. Stn. Res. Ser. 624:7-27 Fayetteville, AR.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Roberts, T., W. Kirkpatrick, N. Slaton, and R. Norman. 2015. Estimating nutrient removal for row crops grown in Arkansas. Univ. Ark. Coop. Ext. Serv. FSA 2176. Little Rock, AR.
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Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14
Outputs
Target Audience: The targeted audience of the programs managed under the umbrella of the soil-testing program include county Extension agents, farmers, homeowners, various private businesses, public institutions, scientists, and the general public that may use or be interested in offered services or results of these services. Personnel participate in and make presentations regarding the use of soil, plant, and manure analyses at local, state, regional, national, and international professional organizations including the Southern Extension and Research Activity Information Exchange Group (SERA-IEG6), Tri-Societies (ASA-SSSA-CSSA) southern branch and international meetings, the NAPT program, Arkansas Plant Food Association, Arkansas Ccrop Protection Association, county Extension education meetings, and Arkansas Crop Management Conference. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The project allows for training of graudate students, farmers, consultants and interestedindividuals from the general public via the generation os manure, plant and soil analysis reports and lab tours. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Reports have been mailed to clients, educational information has been published in teh form of Extension publications, soil test information is summarized and published annual in Division of Agriculture publications (Reseach Series) and in oral and poster presentations made at field days and educational meetings. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The Marianna Soil Test Laboratory performed routine analyses on 179,588 soil samples from 1 January to 31 December 2013. Crop and soil specific fertilizer and lime recommendations were provided with 52, 387 samples representing 1,289,936 acres. Soil test results from grid soil sample analysis were used by Soil nutrient concentrations were determined on another 111,074 samples from grid-sampled fields and 1,145 samples submitted for research and demonstration purposes. Another 14,982 samples were standard check soils analyzed for quality assurance and control. A summary of the 2012 soil test results by county, soil association number, soil series, and previous crop will be published in the W.E. Sabbe Arkansas Soil Fertility Studies Research Series in 2013. Preliminary numbers indicate the Marianna lab has analyzed about 170,000 1 January thru 30 November 2014. The Marianna laboratory renewed its certification from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality to analyze soil samples according to their QA/QC protocols. New instrumentation and equipment was added to the Marianna lab to replace obsolete instruments and improve analytical capacity. The remodeling, razing, and construction project was started in September 2013 and Phase I of the project continues. Completion of Phase 1 has been delayed by more than 8 months due to weather and other issues. The Fayetteville Diagnostic Laboratory performed fee-based elemental analyses on a total of 28,062 samples including 1,172 forage, 205 plant and 230 soil (for diagnosis of nutrient deficiencies and/or toxicities), 1,255 dry- and 319 liquid-manure, 6,325 research plant, 1,773 research soil, and 16,330 prepared special samples from 1 January through 30 October 2014. An additional 438 samples were analyzed for strawberry (426) and orchard (12) nutrient monitoring programs with clients from several states. Samples were submitted by growers, the individuals, and researchers from various institutions and industries. Databases of dry and liquid manure chemical properties were updated to included information from 2013-2014 samples. We continue to share this information with the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC) for a reference of mean values for nutrient management planning. The Marianna and Fayetteville labs participated in the North American Proficiency Testing (NAPT) program operated through the Soil Science Society of America for soil sample. The appropriate steps were taken to correct any analytical problems identified by the NAPT program. The Diagnostic Laboratory also maintained certification by the National Forage Testing Association Certification Program and the Manure Analysis Program. Based on recent research, the recommended P fertilizer rates for wheat followed by double-crop soybean were reduced, N recommendations were added for newly released rice varieties/hybrids, N recommendations for corn were revised, and N recommendations for winter wheat were revised.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
DeLong, R.E., S.D. Carroll, N.A. Slaton, M. Mozaffari, and C. Herron. 2014. Soil test and fertilizer sales data: Summary for the 2012 growing season. In: N.A. Slaton, editor, Wayne E. Sabbe Arkansas Soil Fertility Studies 2013. Ark. Agric. Exp. Stn. Res. Ser. 616. Fayetteville, AR. p.7-16.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
DeLong, R.E., N.A. Slaton, T.L. Roberts, and R.J. Norman. 2014. Soil test phosphorus and potassium trends across time in Arkansas rice fields. In Rice Technical Working Group Abstracts. [CD-ROM]. 35th Meeting, Louisiana State Univ., New Orleans, LA. 18-21 Feb. 2014. LSU, Crowley, LA.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Roberts, T.L., and N.A. Slaton. 2014. Wheat fertilization and liming practices. Chapter 4. In: Wheat Production and Management Handbook. Misc. Public. No. 404. Univ. Ark. Coop. Ext. Serv. Little Rock, AR.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Roberts, T., R. Norman, N. Slaton, and L. Espinoza. 2014. Nitrogen fertilizer additives. Univ. Ark. Coop. Ext. Serv. FSA 2169. Little Rock, AR. (Major Revision)
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