Free Soil Testing Campaign in the Arroyo Colorado Watershed BY LUCAS GREGORY
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oil testing is a simple, effect ive tool that helps agricul tural producers manage fertilizer application. Basic soil tests provide information about current nutrient content and planned crop needs. This can help save money and maximize production potential. Local water resources are also protected through nutrient management which minimizes nutrient losses in surface runoff and groundwater recharge. In the Lower Rio Grande Valley, the Arroyo Colorado is currently impaired with elevated levels of bacteria and excess nutrients that can lead to low levels of dissolved oxygen. Nutrient sources contributing to these problems include agriculture runoff, failing on-site sewage facilities, illegal dumping and urban stormwater runoff. Conducting soil tests and 10
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following their recommendations can reduce potential nutrient runoff from agricultural fields. A free soil testing campaign is being offered to agricultural producers in the Lower Rio Grande Valley by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas Water Resources Institute to implement the Arroyo Colorado Watershed Protection Plan and minimize nutrient loading potential. Producers are eligible for multiple soil tests. Sampling instructions and sample bags can be picked up at the Hidalgo, Cameron, and Willacy County AgriLife Extension offices, the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) Harlingen regional office, or U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) service centers in those three counties. Once soil samples are collected, they can be dropped off at those locations for shipping to the Soil, Water and Forage Testing Lab-
