The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will begin implementation of their “peak season” fees beginning Thursday, December 1st in North Carolina. The last day for no-fee soil testing is Wednesday, November 30th. Peak season fees will be in effect from December 1 through March 31, 2023.
In order to avoid fees, any soil samples must be delivered to the dock of the N.C. Agronomic Division which is located at 4300 Reedy Creek Road in Raleigh, N.C. Samples may be delivered 7 days a week, 24 hours a day until fees begin. The gate at the Agronomic Division will not be locked until 5 p.m. on November 30th.
Soil sampling remains a sound investment by growers as it provides the specific scientific recommendations to optimize crop production and to avoid applying excessive and unneeded nutrients which are costly to farmers. Managing low soil pH is the most important benefit of soil testing in North Carolina. Information is also provided regarding micronutrients which is critically important for crop production. The peak-season fee of $4.00 for soil sampling began in 2013 to encourage early sampling in the fall and to improve efficiency of sample analysis throughout the winter.
The N.C. Cooperative Extension, Pitt County Center will be delivering samples to the N.C. Agronomic Division in Raleigh that have been delivered to 403 Government Circle in Greenville on or by 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 30.
