Written by: Amy Shober, Nutrient Management and Environmental Quality Specialist, Carrie Murphy, Lawn and Garden Program Leader, Drew Harris, Agriculture Extension Agent, Jill Pollok, Plant Diagnostician, John Emerson, Turfgrass Nutrient Management Agent, Megan Pleasanton, Delaware State University, Master Gardener coordinator for Kent County, Nick Adams, Extension Agent New Castle Agriculture and Tracy Wootten, Horticulture Agent

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RELEVANCE

The University of Delaware'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 University of Delaware 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 UD and one Delaware State University Extension professionals provided their honest feedback about the diagnostic services available through the UD 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 UD Carvel Research and Education Center field day. A separate survey was deployed online to get Master Gardener feedback on UD 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 UD diagnostic services wanted more information, meaning marketing could yield additional customers
Most people were willing to wait 1-3 weeks for results

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 UD 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 UD diagnostic services help improve agricultural and horticultural practices, environmental sustainability, and food security in Delaware. By diagnosing soil fertility and plant issues, UD 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.