OSU Extension highlights soil health, testing and local programs at county meeting

Presley Verma of the Ohio State University Extension Office presented at the Seneca County commissioners’ Nov. 13 meeting for Ohio Soil Health Week, explaining soil components and program offerings available to residents.

Verma described soil as a living system, listing minerals (45–59% of soil volume), organic matter (1–5% typically; much higher in muck soils), water, air and microorganisms. She highlighted nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium as the three primary nutrients for plant growth and explained how soil pH affects nutrient availability. “Through my office, we offer soil tests… Those tests are $25. We will do the sampling for you, we'll ship it off, we'll get the results and we'll interpret those results for you,” Verma said when asked about services available to non-farmers.

In a commissioners’ Q&A, Verma described modern, more-precise sampling techniques that use drone imagery, yield-map data, targeted soil tests and variable-rate application equipment to reduce over-application of fertilizer and save costs. She also reminded residents to look for spotted lanternfly egg masses on flat surfaces and demonstrated scraping/removal methods with warm soapy water or alcohol.

Verma promoted upcoming Extension programs in Seneca County: pesticide and fertilizer applicator recertifications (Jan–Mar), a livestock mortality composting certification in Tiffin (March), a poultry workshop (March), a youth egg-exploration program with local partners, a Upland Game Bird Workshop (April) and three beef quality assurance trainings. Most workshops were described as free or low-cost; specific registration details were said to be available through the Extension office.

Commissioners thanked Verma for the presentation and encouraged residents to use the soil-testing service and to attend the upcoming programs.