land and homeowner resources

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Resource Links

• Pickaway County Rural Land Ownership Guide​
• Erosion Control for the Home-builder​
• Transitioning from Traditional Lawn to Native Planting
• Planting for Pollinators (Native plant selection guide for season-long pollinator support in the landscape)
• Tile or Subsurface Drainage - What is it?

Soil Testing

While we do not collect soil samples here in our office, we do have soil sample test bags and forms that you can pick up from us to collect your own samples. Our forms are for Spectrum Analytic Inc.

Mail boxed samples to:
Spectrum Analytic Inc.
1087 Jamison Rd. N.W.
Washington Court House, Ohio 43160
​
http://www.spectrumanalytic.com/

Forms
For Spectrum Analytic's soil sampling form, click below for a PDF form or visit our office for a paper version.

• Grower Soil Sample
• Turf & Ornamental Soil Sample
• Soil Sample Example Form

How to Take Soil Samples

How deep should I take my samples?
For areas less than 1 acre:

• Choose 7-10 locations throughout the entire area
• Using a spade, small shovel, auger, or soil probe take a soil sample at the appropriate depth (see table 1)
• Place soil in a clean container
• Remove grass clippings, debris, or rocks from the soil
• Crumble and mix the soil
• Allow the mixed soil to air dry; if you can, place the soil on a clean surface to speed up the drying time
• Place 1-2 cups of soil in sample bag
• Complete information sheet

For 1-10 acre fields:

• Choose at least 15-30 locations throughout the entire area
• Using a spade, small shovel, auger, or soil probe take a soil sample at the appropriate depth (see table 1)
• Place soil in a hard container
• Remove any grass, debris, or rocks from the soil
• Crumble and mix the soil
• Allow the mixed soil to air dry; if you can, place the soil on a clean surface to speed up the drying time
• Place 1-2 cups of soil in sample bag provided
• Complete information sheet

When do I take my soil samples?

• Late summer to early spring
• 3 or more months after the application of fertilizer or lime
• Avoid taking samples when soil is wet
• Plan ahead: use soil test report to purchase your fertilizer and amendments

How often should I have my soil tested?

• Garden                      Every 1-2 Years
• Agricultural                Every 1-2 Years
• Pastures                    Every 1-4 Years
• Lawns                        Every 1-4 Years