Agriculture

Cowboys gathering cattle on pasture

The K-State Research and Extension team communicates and translates research findings into practical education programs with the final goal of assisting Kansans to improve current production practices and profitability.

Soil Testing

A soil test provides information on the basic fertility of soil. It is the starting point for determining how much and which fertilizers to use on a crop. Without a soil test, everyone is guessing at what the soil fertility level really is.

Follow these steps to obtain a good sample:

1. Decide if your field can be treated as one sample or needs to be broken down into separate smaller samples.

2. Using a soil probe or shovel, dig vertically to a depth of 6 inches for row crop samples. If the available nitrogen, chloride, or sulphur tests are desired, a subsoil sample to 24 inches is necessary.

3. Take at least 10-15 samples from the field and mix the samples together in a clean, plastic container to create a representative sample. Samples should be dry. You can let samples air dry; do not use heat to dry your samples.

4. Bring approximately two cups of the mixed soil to the Phillips-Rooks Extension District Office in a re-sealable, plastic bag.

5. The sample will be mailed to the Soil Testing Laboratory at Kansas State University for analysis. A report and bill will be mailed to you once completed.

Forage Testing

Forage testing can be a valuable tool for producers and livestock owners. Testing enables you to take the guesswork out of the nutritional values and know how much protein, energy and other nutrients are in your forage.

Follow these steps for forage sampling:

1. Fit the forage probe on the end of a cordless drill to take core samples out of small square or big round bales.

2. Take several samples of a similar forage.

3. Mix them together in a bucket.

4. Bring a quart-sized plastic bag of the mixed forage to the Phillips-Rooks Extension District Office.

5. The sample will be mailed. A report and bill will be mailed or emailed to you once completed.

Water Testing

SDK water test kits are available through the Phillips-Rooks Extension District offices. Water quality testing fees is through SDK Laboratories. For more information SDK Laboratories.

Leasing Arrangements Survey

The Phillips-Rooks Extension District conducts a Leasing Arrangements Survey in Phillips and Rooks counties each year. The most recent leasing survey was completed in December 2023. Each county randomly mailed 50 surveys to landowners/tenants in each of the counties with each township represented. The surveys were then compiled and summarized into individualized county reports.

2023 Phillips County Cropland and Pasture Lease Survey Results

2023 Rooks County Cropland and Pasture Lease Survey Results

Wheat Demonstration Test Plot

Each year we cooperate with produers to find a plot of land, gather seed, and plant demonstration plots. The plots exhibit how the different varieties perform locally.