Geneva Chemistry Society Accepts Soil Samples for Analysis

BEAVER FALLS, PA (03/03/2015)(readMedia)-- After record-breaking cold temperatures this winter, spring planting is finally right around the corner. To help gardeners prepare for the season, the Geneva College Chemistry Society is providing testing and analysis of lawn and garden soil samples. Samples will be accepted from Tuesday, March 17 through Wednesday, April 1, 2015. Only the first 100 samples will be accepted for analysis.

Soil will be tested for pH, potassium content, and phosphorous content. The pH is a measure of the acidity of the soil. Potassium and phosphorus are fertilizer nutrients needed by plants. Results will be mailed out by the first week of May.

There are two drop off-locations. Soil samples can be brought to a drop-off location outside of Room 212 in the Science & Engineering Building on Geneva's Beaver Falls campus from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. They may also be taken to Campbell Laboratory, 1900 Third Avenue in New Brighton, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday.

Campbell Laboratory is a partner that will collect samples for the Geneva College Chemistry Society to process and complete results. The additional location will provide a convenience to gardeners in the local communities that Geneva and Campbell Laboratory serve.

To obtain a sample from a lawn or garden, use a clean trowel to dig up a plug of soil about six inches in depth. A more representative sample may be obtained by taking several plugs and mixing them together. Soil should be obtained when it is fairly dry, if possible. Spread the soil sample on a newspaper to dry indoors for at least 24 hours, mix thoroughly and break up lumps, and place about one cup into a plastic bag. Label the bag with name and address. If a plot has a problem area, it may be advisable to obtain a separate sample from this area.

The Geneva Chemistry Society is accepting a donation of two dollars per sample to defray the costs of analysis. Any questions regarding soil testing should be directed to Kerry McMahon at 724-847-6722 or Doug Campbell at 724-846-7048.

Geneva College invites students to step forward and leap ahead with an academically excellent, Christ-centered and affordable education. Offering nearly 40 undergraduate majors, Adult Degree Programs with fully online and campus-based options, and high-demand advanced graduate degrees, Geneva's programs are recognized for their high quality. U.S. News & World Report ranks Geneva as a Top 10 Best Value with one of the Top 100 engineering programs in the nation. Adhering to the inerrancy of Scripture, a Geneva education is grounded in God's word as well as in a core curriculum designed to prepare students vocationally to think, write and communicate well in today's world.