You can be an Extension Volunteer…
Volunteers are a vital part of the Extension program. You, as a potential volunteer, are a key component of “bringing the University to the people” across all of Tennessee and through a variety of program areas, both youth and adult. Tennessee Extension volunteer programs include, but are not limited to 4-H Youth Development, Health and Wellness Ambassadors, Family and Consumer Sciences, and Master Gardener programs. The University of Tennessee Extension is one of four units that provides instruction, research, and public service through the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. By becoming a Giles County Extension Volunteer, you help us continue to give 100% Real.Life.Solutions. Follow this link for more information. If you decide to volunteer, please send all forms and certificates to Tina Murray at toman@utk.edu.
Forage Probes
Did you know there are forage probes available to clients for “check-out?” Forage probes are used to retrieve forage samples to send to the Soil, Plant, and Pest Center in Nashville for testing. There are a few items testable within forage samples like NIRS (Near-infrared Spectroscopy Analysis), Minerals, Nitrates, and Ensiled pH. Forages include grasses, such as tall fescue, orchardgrass, bermudagrass, annual ryegrass, alfalfa, corn, small grains, warm-season annuals, other legumes, mixed grasses, and native warm-season grasses. Forms are available at the Giles County Extension office to reserve the probes.
Soil Probes
Did you know there are soil probes available to clients for “check-out?” Soil probes are used to retrieve soil samples to check for deficiencies in garden, lawn, turf, or field soils. The best time to check soils is early March before planting begins but, soils can be tested at any time throughout the year. To make better production of plantings, soil testing is a must. Clients can test soils for basic nutrient deficiency, organic matter, soluble salts, texture, and Sulfur.
- Soil Sampling Guide
- Heavy Metals
- UTHort (resources available for Tennessee Horticulture)
Plant Pest Identification and other Analysis’
Available to clients are Plant Disease and Insect Identification, Pre-Sideress Corn Nitrate testing, Potting or Greenhouse, and/or Plant Tissue Analysis. Soil, forage, and plant pest samples for farmers, homeowners, landscapers, and commercial horticulture are completed at the Soil, Plant, and Pest Lab in Nashville, Tennessee.
Pressure Canning
Did you know pressure canning lids can be tested at your local Extension Office? Test your lid before you can. Contact Myra Walker to schedule a time to have lids tested.