Welcome to the Kent/MSU Extension website! Our mission is to be a University/community partnership that connects education to life to meet the challenges of a changing and diverse society.
MSU Extension in Kent County is part of a state-wide information and education delivery network, applying university level, research-based knowledge to locally-identified critical issues. We respond to local needs through a unique partnership of County, State and Federal resources. Information is extended to Kent County residents through the MSU non-formal education system, which assists individuals, families and communities to make better decisions.
Please click on our program areas listed on the left side of this page for information on classes as well as links to more resources. Also, look for upcoming events in our online calendar.
Effective April 16, 2012, all MSU soil tests are sold as self-serve kits. You purchase the kit that applies to your testing needs, follow the enclosed directions and mail the sample to the MSU Soil and Plant Nutrient Laboratory.
Soil Tests Kit Self-Mailer for Homeowners (Packet)
Soil Test Kit Self-mailers may be purchased from our office or from the MSU Extension Bookstore at www.bookstore.msue.msu.edu (Product code E3154) for $25.00. Price includes postage. Once you have the kit, fill out the enclosed form and mail the sample and completed form in the postage-paid envelope to the lab. NOTE: You must provide an email address as results will be sent directly to you via email. If you would like help interpreting test results, call our statewide Lawn and Garden Helpline at 1-888-678-3464, option 1.
Soil Tests for Agricultural Crops, Commercial Growers, Pastures and Wildlife Forage
Soil sample boxes may be purchased from our office for $12.00 (no taxes). Along with the box, you will receive a field crops Soil Sample Information Form to be filled out and sent with your soil sample to the MSU Soil and Plant Nutrient Laboratory. The lab address is on the box. Please note that our office is no longer able to ship samples so you will be responsible for mailing/shipping your own soil samples to the lab.
Basic instructions for collecting samples:
1. Using a soil probe, spade or trowel, and a clean plastic pail, sample in a zigzag fashion throughout a uniform area.
2. Take a representative sampling of the soil in the area you are testing, 15-20 subsamples.
Sampling depths are as follows:
Field Soils - 8 inches
Garden Soils - 6 to 8 inches
Lawn - 3 inches below turf
3. Combine all samples into the plastic pail and mix thoroughly. Fill a soil sample box with the sample, or package about a pint of soil.
4. Fill out an information form and send it in with the soil sample to the soil testing lab.
You will find more information on soil testing, interpreting test results, area calculator, fertilizer calculator at http://msusoiltest.com
MSU Extension staff members use the university’s resources to meet needs in every Michigan county. The County Partner Report demonstrates how MSU Extension educators, program associates and specialists are working with nonprofit organizations, agencies, schools, businesses, farms and families to "bring knowledge to life" in your community. Click the link below to read more.
The MPI will provide the state of Michigan and its citizens with strategies based on MSU and other university and think-tank research that have the potential to return the state to a place among the most prosperous places in the world. From mid-April to mid-June, 100 training programs will be offered across the state by LPI and MSUE educators in over 50 locations. Three separate training programs are being offered:
New Economy 101 will describe how Michigan's present economic circumstances developed, and emphasize that because Michigan has many assets there is good reason to be hopeful about our economic future.
New Economy 201 will focus on a simple common vision and basic goals for prosperity; it will describe in detail Michigan's critical assets and then identify place-based strategies to help us create new prosperity on a regional basis.
New Economy 301 will address detailed economic analyses that can be performed to help inform regional strategic growth plans and the key strategies necessary to implement those plans.
The first program is intended for all audiences. The second and third programs are intended for stakeholders, economic development professionals and those people that attended the first program and desire more information.For more information visit : www.landpolicy.msu.edu/MPI.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
