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Soils, Composting, and Water Quality

Free Soil Tests for Henrico Residents!

The Henricopolis Soil & Water Conservation District is providing coupons to all Henrico County residents to have their soil tested for free! (Postage fees still apply.) Click on the link below for more information.

Henrico, Don't Guess, Get a Free Soil Test!

A soil test can provide information on the proper amount of lime and fertilizer to apply to your lawn, garden and other areas of your landscape. When gardeners apply only as much lime and fertilizer as is necessary and at the appropriate time, nutrient runoff into surface or ground water is minimized, money is saved, and plant health is optimized. Soil testing can also be used to diagnose common nutrient deficiencies or toxicities for plants that are growing poorly.

It is recommended that the soil be tested every two to three years. Soil test kits can be picked up at your local Extension Office or any Henrico County Library. Kits are free, however, there is a fee for processing the test and kits must be mailed by the resident to Virginia Tech for processing. For more information, visit the Virginia Tech Soil Testing Lab at http://www.soiltest.vt.edu/ .

 

Vermicomposting is good for the Earth! What is Vermicomposting? Vermicomposting is basically composting with worms! Learn more about vermicomposting by reading the VCE publication Composting your Organic Kitchen Wastes with Worms.

 

The Virginia Household Water Quality Program provides practical information to homeowners about maintaining and protecting private water systems such as wells, spring and cisterns. People who rely on public water systems for drinking water have professionals routinely testing their water quality to ensure it meets federal drinking water standards, but private water system owners must take care of this monitoring themselves. Through this program, drinking water clinics are offered in 6-10 counties per year, which provide affordable water testing, interpretation of test results and general information about maintenance of private water systems and dealing with water problems. For a list of drinking water clinics, vist them at http://www.wellwater.bse.vt.edu/vahwqp.php .

 

Virginia Master Well Owner Network

Did you know that if you have a well, spring or cistern, YOU are responsible for the safety of your family's water quality and the maintenance of your supply system? The Virginia Master Well Owner Network is a group of trained, dedicated Virginia Cooperative Extension agents and volunteers who have completed training about protecting and maintaining private water systems such as wells, springs and cisterns, and about water conservation, testing and treatment.

Visit them on the web at http://www.wellwater.bse.vt.edu/vamwon.php .

 

What does Water Quality mean to you?