The past year was a good year for the Delta Regional Soils Testing Lab. Soil and plant sample numbers as well as revenue were up from 2004. In 2005 we processed 16,043 soil and 2,750 plant samples. This represents an almost 50% increase in soil sample numbers over 2004. Our revenue for the year was up $29,000 to $161,000. Our expenses increased by $6,000 to $160,000 leaving us with a gain of $1,000 for 2005. As of December 31, 2005 our bank account totaled $57,343 In 2005 we continued to update our computer capabilities. Using residual funds from our USDA Rural development grant several new computers were purchased. These computers have allowed us to generate/retrieve results faster for our customers. In 2004 we added the ability to generate coma delineated data files that include crop recommendations. In 2005 this feature was used by our precision ag customers to develop prescription application maps for variable rate fertilizer and lime applications. In 2005 this feature was used on over 2,700 samples. This represents 17% of our soil sample numbers and is an increase of over 1,000 samples from 2004. Also a new window based recommendations system for agricultural samples has been installed. The new system also allows customers to access soil sample results from past years. This was a big help to our customers as when they were getting their records together for enrolment in USDA CSP program. Our new program makes it possible for our customers to easily access soil test results and recommendations via the Internet. This system allows customers to change crop and yield goals for their sample results. Now our customers can compare fertilizer requirements for different crops on-line. Previously these changes have required assistance from Soil Lab personnel. This same type of on-line system is currently being developed for horticultural soil samples. We continue to generate computer recommendations in MS Word or Word Perfect format. These recommendations can easily be sent via E-mail to our customers. This has reduced our turn around time and is much appreciated by the producers that we work with. Additionally to reduce turn around time for our customers who submit soil samples via US Mail we are picking up our mail on Saturday. This allows us to process samples on Monday that previously would not have been received by the lab until Monday. This timesaving is much appreciated by our more distant customers.

During 2005 we continued to work with Dr. Gene Stevens to develop a plant analysis system. Previous work had indicated that adding phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) at midseason could increase rice yields in P or K deficient fields. For the last three summers we have worked on a rice project where plant K levels were determined for individual plant parts at various growth stages. Our goal is to determine which plant part and growth stage best predicted yield. As a result of this study we determined that K levels of whole plant sample collected at pre-flood was a good predictor of yield. Also, later in the season, lower rice leaves are a better indicator of K deficiency than flag leaves. In 2004 & 2005 a study of the phosphorus (P) needs of rice was conducted. In this study rice plots were treated with P at different times during the growing season. From this we learned that adding P as late as inter-node elongation could increase rice yields. However the maximum benefits of P fertilization could be obtained when P was added at the pre-flood stage. This timing allows rice producers to use ground rigs to apply P in the same trip as their pre-flood N, thus saving the expense of a separate application. This work has also caused us to take a second look at our recommendations for P fertilization of rice.

2006 Field Day Report