BEDFORD — Local landowners looking to improve their gardens, pastures, or crop ground have a unique opportunity to get professional insights into their land’s health at no cost.
The Lawrence County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), has announced a specialized program to help residents pay for soil testing this season.
The initiative is designed specifically for Lawrence County landowners managing a variety of land types, including:
- Home gardens and food plots
- Livestock pastures
- Traditional crop ground
Under the program, each landowner is eligible for two (2) free soil tests. These tests provide critical data on nutrient levels and pH balance, allowing growers to make informed decisions about fertilization and soil amendments.
Important Deadlines and Requirements
For those interested in participating, timing and preparation are key.
Soil samples must be returned to the Lawrence County SWCD office between March 23rd and April 17th.
Samples will not be accepted after the April 17th cutoff.
All samples must be dry before they are submitted. Officials warn residents not to dry soil in an oven; instead, soil should be laid out to air dry naturally before being brought into the office.
How to Participate
Landowners should contact Mandy Robbins at the Lawrence County SWCD to begin the process or to ask specific questions regarding sample collection by calling 812-279-8117 ext. 3 or stopping by the office
This program is supported by the Lower Salt Creek Watershed Project and the USDA, and is part of a broader effort by Purdue University and the NRCS to promote sustainable land management and agricultural success in the region.
