Lawn Care and Soil Testing

In highly developed counties like Franklin, homeowners can impact water quality through their use of landscaping inputs including fertilizers, weed killers and pesticides. Agricultural producers use the 4R nutrient management concept for fertilizer application and homeowners can too—apply the RIGHT FERTILIZER, at the RIGHT RATE, at the RIGHT TIME, in the RIGHT PLACE.

An aspect of the 4Rs is knowing what fertilizer is needed. We encourage you to have your soil tested before adding fertilizer. Ohio State University Extension offers low-cost soil testing at their office: 2548 Carmack Rd, Columbus, OH 43210. Phone: (614) 866-6900.

In 2014 and 2016, Franklin Soil and Water hosted lawn care workshops with expert speakers including Dr. Dave Shetlar and Ms. Pam Sherratt from The Ohio State University’s turf team, and Mr. Steve Baker, state soil scientist with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service. We have posted their presentations here with permission.

• Dr. David Shetlar Turf Health Care Presentation
  • Dr. Shetlar’s contact info: Professor David Shetlar, Ph.D.
    Department of Entomology
    The Ohio State University
    E-mail: shetlar.1@osu.edu
    Phone: (614) 614-292.3762
• Pamela Sherratt Lawn Care Presentation
  • Handout: Best Management Practices for Lawns: Fertilizers
  • Pam’s contact info: Pamela Sherratt, Turfgrass Specialist
    Department of Horticulture and Crop Science
    The Ohio State University
    E-mail: sherratt.1@osu.edu
    Phone: (614) 292.7457
• Steve Baker Soil Testing Basics Presentation
  • Steve’s contact info: Steven Baker, State Soil Scientist
    USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
    E-mail: steven.baker@oh.usda.gov
    Phone: (614) 255-2483

Another great presentation is from the National Association of Conservation Districts:

• Backyard Conservation: Lawn Care Practices Promoting Soil Conservation & Protection of Water Resources
  • Brochure: Backyard Conservation: Lawns & the Environment