Voices from the Field: Feedback on University Plant Diagnostic Clinic and Soil Testing Program (2024)
Voices from the Field: Feedback on University Plant Diagnostic Clinic and Soil Testing Program听(2024)
Written by: Amy Shober, Nutrient Management and Environmental Quality Specialist, Carrie Murphy,听Lawn and Garden Program Leader, Drew Harris, Agriculture Extension Agent, Jill Pollok, Plant Diagnostician,听John Emerson, Turfgrass Nutrient Management Agent, Megan Pleasanton,听Delaware State University, Master Gardener coordinator for Kent County, Nick Adams,听Extension Agent New Castle Agriculture and Tracy Wootten,听Horticulture Agent
RELEVANCE
The 91原创's Plant Diagnostic Clinic and Soil Testing Program provides essential diagnostic services to homeowners, gardeners, and agricultural professionals. An assessment was conducted of the diagnostic services offered by the 91原创 to ensure programs meet evolving clientele needs.
The objectives were to:
1) identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and areas for improvement of these services,
2) identify potential new or expanded services that align with evolving community needs and expectations,
3) develop evidence-based recommendations for enhancing program accessibility, relevance, and overall impact, and
4) establish a framework for ongoing evaluation and adaptation of extension efforts to meet changing community requirements.
RESPONSE
Interviews with six 91原创 and one Delaware State University Extension professionals provided their honest feedback about the diagnostic services available through the 91原创 Plant Diagnostic Clinic and Soil Testing Program. The interviews with Extension professionals guided the development of general public and Master Gardeners surveys. Community surveys were deployed at prominent events, such as the Delaware State Fair and the 91原创 Carvel Research and Education Center field day. A separate survey was deployed online to get Master Gardener feedback on 91原创 diagnostic surfaces.
RESULTS
Key preliminary findings from the community survey include:
210 responses in the following categories: home gardener (140), commercial agricultural professional (54), other (16)
67 people were aware of both programs, 61 were only aware of the soil testing program, 4 were only aware of the plant diagnostics lab, 78 were not aware of either service
35 of 78 people who were not aware of 91原创 diagnostic services wanted more information, meaning marketing could yield additional customers
Most people were willing to wait 1-3 weeks for results
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听Key preliminary findings of the Master Gardener survey include:
66 of 80 respondents were aware of the types and scope of services available through the 91原创 Plant Diagnostic Clinic and Soil Testing Program
76 of 78 have personally used or recommended these services
58 of 75 respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with the soil testing turnaround time during peak season
PUBLIC VALUE STATEMENT
The survey findings highlight the importance of improving program visibility, accessibility, and relevance. The 91原创 diagnostic services help improve agricultural and horticultural practices, environmental sustainability, and food security in Delaware. By diagnosing soil fertility and plant issues, 91原创 diagnostic services help clientele to reduce input use (fertilizers and pesticides), protect beneficial insects and pollinators, reduce the development of resistant insects and plant diseases, and identify new and emerging pathogens and pests.