Agriculture & Horticulture
Extension Agriculture Sponsored Programs
Field Crops & Gardening
- Basic Soils: How to sample and test soils, & interpret the soil test results. New Mexico soils are commonly deficient in one or more nutrient. NMSU soil tests provide producers and home gardeners specific information on soil type, fertilization requirements of different crops, & determining irrigation needs based on soil moisture. Scroll down this page for more information, forms and links on NMSU's soil testing services.
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Pesticide Safety: Learn about options of pest/weed control including pesticide safety & the interaction of different pesticides and movement to the target pest. The influence of different soil types, chemical qualities & persistence in the soils are also discussed. Understanding different chemicals is important to prevent contamination of groundwater. Training is offered annually for Licensed Pesticide Applicators to provide NMDA required Continuing Educational Requirements.
- Sustainable Agriculture: Educational programs including crop and orchard management, growers markets, marketing & business planning can be arranged to increase operational efficacy, profitability, & help agricultural producers become sustainable.
- Urban Horticulture: Valencia County Extension Master Gardener Program--Experienced gardeners are provided educational training in horticulture whom return, volunteer a minimum of 40 hours per year in sanctioned educational & community service programs related to non-commercial gardening education. The program is offered once a year and applications are accepted through December every year. Also see the VCEMG link on this website for more information.
- Water Conservation and Irrigation Practices: Effective irrigation & water conservation begins with planning. Help is available in irrigation, planning crops & networking with other agencies to develop conservation plans. Water availability, irrigation method, soil type, & land preparation are keys to planning before planting.
- Specialty Crops: Consultation & classes can be offered concerning the newest varieties of crops & non-traditional crops which may be very profitable.
Soil Testing Information, Forms & Links
Thank you for your interest in NMSU's Soil Testing Service. Below you will find the links for the publications you will need in order to submit a soil sample for testing. The first tells you how to collect your sample, the next link is the form you will need to print and send in with your sample, the pricing list is next, there is some information on how to interpret your results once you receive them and some additional links regarding soil testing you may be interested in.
Once you have collected your sample, you may place the soil in a zip-close gallon size baggie; put the baggie, the testing form and your check or money order made payable to NMSU in a box and mail via USPS to: New Mexico State University SWAT Lab Box 30003, Dept. 3Q Agronomy & Hort. Dept. Las Cruces, NM 88003
If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Extension Office.
Livestock, Forage & Pasture Management
- Livestock Production: A wealth of information is available about beef, sheep, swine, goat, horse & other livestock production & programs can be arranged or scheduled.
- Forage and Pasture Management: Consultation on how to produce & grow irrigated pastrue, or manage ranglelands can be scheduled. Effective management is essential to preserve the lands & plants & prevent weed invasion, erosion & degradation commonly caused by overgrazing & misuse of lands.
- Weed-Free Forage Program: New Mexico is moving ahead with a program to certify hay & mulch free of noxious weeds. The use of Certified Weed-Free Forage is one way to prevent the spread of
Weed-Free Forage Program
New Mexico is moving ahead with a program to certify hay and mulch free of noxious weeds. The use of Certified Weed-Free Forage is one way to prevent the spread of noxious weeds and enable New Mexico forage producers to participate in a niche market for certified weed-free forage.
Below you will find the forms you may need regarding the Certified Weed-Free Forage program.