New DSS board members sworn in
Linda Sutton, vice chairwoman of the Lenoir County Department of Social Services Board of Directors, has been reappointed to another three-year term on the Board. Sutton, who has been a Board member since July 1, 2007, also is a county commissioner.
June Cummings was appointed to the DSS Board for a three-year term. She is executive director of Lenoir-Greene United Way and served on the DSS Board from 2005-2011.
Pam Rich, Register of Deeds, administered the Oath of Office to Sutton and Cummings at the July 25 meeting.
Gardening Guru: Soil testing fees change
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has provided soil analyses since 1940, having analyzed more than 350,000 soil samples in physical year 2013 alone. The peak time for samples is from December through March, which can slow the response time to nine weeks.
A new soil-testing fee is being implemented by NCDA&CS to encourage growers to sample earlier, to shorten the peak-season response time and for lab improvements. Starting Nov.27, a $4 fee will be charged for all soil samples processed during the busiest season of December through March. There will be no fee from April through November.
The soil analysis checks for levels of major plant nutrients: phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulfur. The reports include the levels of plant micronutrients: copper, manganese and zinc. Recommendations, including the rate of lime and fertilizer, are given for the specific site tested.
The information from soil testing on the acidity of the soil and pH is important. Soil pH is important because it is a key to the availability of nutrients to the plant. The parent rocks that formed our soils and our frequent rainfall both attribute to the acidity of our soils. Adding lime to the soil reduces the acidity and increases the pH.
There are 16 plant nutrients that are essential for plant growth. Three of them (carbon, hydrogen and oxygen) are taken from air and water. Lenoir County soils are frequently low in nutrients and acidic. Good plant growth and yield often require the addition of lime and fertilizer. Soil testing is the best way to find out how much lime and fertilizer to apply.
The reliability of the soil test depends on the quality of the sample you submit. A sample from only one spot cannot accurately reflect the diversity of the soil in a planting area. Soil gathered for each soil sample should consist of 15 to 20 thoroughly mixed core samples. Areas that are managed separately should each be sampled separately. For example, a lawn should have a separate sample from a vegetable garden area.
Soil testing boxes are available from the Lenoir County Cooperative Extension office at 1791 Hwy 11/55. Save money, shorten your waiting time and be a more knowledgeable gardener by sampling early.
Peg Godwin is horticulture agent, Lenoir County Cooperative Extension Center. Reach her at Peg_Godwin@ncsu.edu or 252-527-2191.
