Soil Samples Being Accepted Again At State Lab

As of April 27, 2020 the North Carolina Department of Agriculture began accepting routine soil samples again; however there are a few caveats.  Public access is restricted to the building’s interior and the front door remains closed to the public.  The entrance gate at the rear of the facility will be open from 8am – 5pm, Monday – Friday so samples can be dropped off on the loading dock anytime during normal business hours.  Please note that even though they are working “normal” business hours, they will not be operating with a full staff.  With reduced staffing comes extended turnaround times so they are urging clients to be patient as they work to prioritize and complete all samples submitted during this time.

For those of you that were planning on soil sampling to amend your pastures, you again have the GREEN LIGHT to go right ahead and submit those samples.  Even though the COVID-19 closures delayed the process, the sooner you get them in, the quicker you will get the results back which will help you make the needed improvements you were hoping for.  Of course these results will also help you start planning for your Fall Pasture Amendments. 

For more information on soil sampling your pastures and how to read/interpret your soil sample results please contact your local Agriculture Agent at Cooperative Extension.