Is your soil safe?

Soil testing is a very important tool when considering using a parcel of land to grow vegetation, especially for consumption. First, soil testing provides the means to see if the soil contains the right amounts of nutrients to support adequate growth. Secondly, soil testing is a way to determine if the soil is contaminated with any harmful substances that could make their way into the plants. Some of the harmful substances that the soil can be tested for include: high levels of mercury, arsenic, lead and Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

For convenient soil testing, contact the PennState Cooperative Extension of Philadelphia County at:

philadelphia.extension.psu.edu/

This soil testing kit is very easy to use and not only tells you the contents of the soil, but suggestions on how to improve it for ideal conditions.