Soil Testing: Perceptions of Importance, Impact and Role of Cooperative Extension. (4542)
Authors:
J. Watson - Penn State Univ.
A.M. Wolf* - Penn State Univ.
D.B. Beegle - Penn State Univ.
N.E. Kiernan - Penn State Univ.
Abstract:
During the fall of 2003, a survey was conducted of those who had submitted
samples to the Penn State Agricultural Analytical Services Laboratory. The primary objective was to evaluate the perceived importance and role of Cooperative
Extension in soil testing in Pennsylvania. Questions covered issues of convenience, value, purposes for which test results were used, where the test kit was obtained, and selected demographic information. One of the demographics identified related to the involvement of Cooperative Extension educators in assisting with soil testing.
More than half of respondents considered it important that their local county
extension staff be able to provide assistance in soil testing. Between approximately 60% and 75% of respondents who used a Local, Regional or State Extension staff person for soil testing assistance found the assistance very helpful. Similarly, 73%
of respondents who used them found the Soil Testing Laboratory Staff very helpful.
Results indicate that Cooperative Extension plays a vital role in the use and
interpretation of soil tests in Pennsylvania. Additional comparisons presented will include results broken out by demographic information.
Speaker Information: Ann Wolf, Penn State Univ., 111 Ag Analytical Services Lab Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802; Phone: 814-863-0841; E-mail:
Session Information: Wednesday, November 3, 2004, 2:00 PM-4:00 PM Presentation Start: 2:00 PM (Poster Board Number: 2256)