Greenup County has several MS4 communities (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System)…long name but basically this means that these communities have to meet certain “minimum control measures” established by KY Division of Water and EPA, two which focus on education, outreach, and public involvement, according to Brad Lee, University of Kentucky Environmental and Natural Resources Issues.  This is a great opportunity for the Cooperative Extension Service to educate the community about protecting water quality.One factor that can easily affect water quality is the overuse of commercial fertilizers.  Overuse of Commercial fertilizers in home lawns and garden can led to high levels of Phosphorus in Kentucky’s creeks, streams and rivers.  

The Greenup County Extension Agent has taught the following classes to help educate local individuals about Soil Structure and Texture and Fertilizer.  Thirty adults were educated on soil structure and fertilizer usage using the Master Gardener Curriculum in both Greenup and Boyd counties.  

Also, two hundred elementary students in Greenup County learned about differences in soils and how to figure out their soil’s texture. Soil texture is important to know to help understand how water and fertilize move in the soil.  The elementary students also learned about fertilizers and how these can affect plant growth.  This also includes the misuse of fertilizers and the effect on the environment.

In the past two years the Greenup County Extension Service has encouraged individuals to take a soil test for their farms, home or gardens.  Soil testing is a tool that can be used to determine how much fertilize and lime is needed to grow a crop.  This is a better method than trying to guess what your soil needs.  Over the past two years two hundred and seventy- nine soil tests have been taken in the county.  Individuals participating in the soil testing indicated that they did not know they were putting too much lime and fertilizer on their garden.