A program being offered by the Illinois Council on Best Management Practices aims to help local farmers test their soil for nutrient loss.
The program is being held at the Morgan County Soil and Water Conservation District office on Monday and the next three months on the first Monday of the month, through June.
Joe Cebuhar, a soil conservationist, explains what’s happening with the program.
“We are providing a place for landowners and farmers to bring in samples from their farm to test the nutrient level. We ask you to bring them in an eight ounce chemical free container. This will help give them an idea of the nutrient runoff.”
Cebuhar says this is a national issue.
“There’s a nutrient loss reduction strategy being started in several states around the country. If we can do our part now to find out what is coming off local farms, this would be a great way for landowners to get involved helping protect their environment.”
For those bringing samples, containers should be free of any residual chemicals or detergents. Samples need to be at least eight ounces and should be taken as close to the testing time as possible, preferably within 48 hours.
The open house is from 9 to 10 a.m.