Maximum Yield USA January 2018 | Page 75

“Without knowing basic properties like the nutrient levels, organic matter content, and acidity or alkalinity levels of a soil or growing medium, it is difficult or even impossible to know what needs to be added to the soil for its optimal health.” are often a state’s university system, or are a private institution that were given state-owned land at some point in its existence for the purposes of promoting research and awarding degrees in the fields of agriculture and engineering (in contrast with those schools that had a liberal arts focus). While the range of services that extension offices vary from state to state, it is near universal that they serve to help folks with their farming and gardening problems and assist with basic services such as soil testing and analysis. They are a great resource for many people and often offer free or low-cost services to their constituents. grow cycle 73