According to the EPA, nonpoint source (NPS) pollution is the leading remaining cause of water quality problems. NPS pollution is caused by rainfall or snow melt moving over and through the ground. As the runoff moves, it picks up and carries away natural and human-made pollutants, finally depositing them into lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters and ground waters, where they cause harmful effects on drinking water supplies, recreation, fisheries and wildlife. Excess fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides from agricultural lands and residential areas are a major contributor to NPS pollution.

In order to alleviate this problem in Franklin County, the Franklin County Cooperative Extension Service offers soil fertility testing services. During the October, 2019, the fees were waived to make this service available to every stakeholder the access to the service regardless of income status. The horticulture and agriculture agent made fertility recommendations based on the individual sample’s current levels. This eliminates the application of excess nutrients that could runoff or leach into surface or ground waters.

During the 2018-2019 year, Franklin County Cooperative Extension Service provided soil fertility recommendations to over 300 samples. The horticulture extension agent stressed the value of soil testing to clients in the county through office visits, phone calls, horticulture site visits, the local newspaper, newsletters, and public programs. By soil sampling an area prior to planting, Franklin County growers are able to save on fertilizer costs and obtain better yields resulting in healthier plants, while minimizing their impact on the environment.