Franklin County Conservation District
"Conserving our Natural Resources for the Future"
Soils Information
County Soils Maps and Soil Information is available online at http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/
NRCS no longer has the old soil survey books available
for distribution, all information is online.
FREE Soil Tests
The Frontier Extension District, Franklin County Office partners with the Franklin County
Conservation District on our nutrient management program to offer up to 10
free soil tests per landowner per year (pending availability of funds).
Soil test bags are available at both the Extension Office, 1418 South Main
Suite 2, Ottawa; and at the Conservation District office, 343 West 23rd
Street, Suite 2, Ottawa.
Samples should be taken to the Extension Office where
they will be sent to the lab for analysis.
Steps to follow when collecting your soil samples…
Make sure the sample represents the entire area so you get the most from the
application recommendations.
Collect a separate sample from areas that have been
treated differently (limed or fertilized).
You will need a soil probe, auger or spade, and plastic
pale. All equipment should be clean, do not use galvanized shovels or
buckets. Natural Resources Conservation Service has a soil probe landowners
may borrow from the office to use when collecting soil samples.
Sample when moist but not wet.
Clean the area of liter and grass, but do not remove
decomposed black material from the surface.
Sub-samples should be collected from approx a 6 inch
depth.
The number of sub samples will vary depending on
overall area size being tested. Remember: a sample from one spot does not
represent the whole field. Avoid sampling areas such as old fence rows, or
any other unusual areas.
Remove foreign items, such as plant material, and
pebbles.
Mix all remaining sub-samples. Collect a final sample
from this mixture and fill your sample bag to the line, 1- 2 cups.
Do not allow sample to be dried, it is best to take
them to the Extension Office as soon as possible.
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