Regional news

By Casey Heilman
Allen Soil and Water Conservation District

The cooler weather has arrived and many homeowners around the county are raking up leaves, cutting back perennials, and just generally prepping yards, and gardens for the long winter ahead. But what few people realize is that  caring for the soil should be a part of the autumn yard routine. 

Soil testing is especially essential if fertilizer is used. Over-fertilizing is so  easy to do that many don’t give it much thought when applying it. Excess  fertilizer is washed into our rivers and streams every time it rains. From there  it causes algae problems, robs oxygen from the water, and is a leading  contributor of poor water quality. One way to combat over fertilizing to only  apply what is needed and testing the soil helps to establish that proper amount. ▶︎