The District provides FREE SOIL TESTING to Mercer County farmers and landowners throughout the year. This service is co-sponsored with the Mercer Co. Extension Service and the samples are taken to the Mercer Co. Extension Service.

What are the benefits of a soil test?

• Take advantage of nutrients already in the soil.

• Identify nutrients that are lacking in the soil.

• Reduce fertilizer applications by applying only what is needed.

• Provide a proper balance of plant nutrients.

• Reduce chances of excess nutrients getting into water sources.

• Adjust soil pH to an optimum level.

The district began a new program in the spring of 2013. They wanted to offer a Tree Rebate Certificate to landowners. The purpose was to provide all Mercer County tax payers a way to improve their properties and promote conservation in the county, to promote local business with nurseries in the Mercer County that has a direct link to conservation, and provide a method of increasing the tree population in Mercer County and aid in the county being greener. Each landowner can receive 50% of the cost of the tree (with $75.00 cap). The trees can be purchased from the one of local nurseries in the county (Reynolds Nursery or Gardenscapes located behind Kroger in Harrodsburg).

The art and writing contest is available for public and home schools. The prizes are as follows:

• First place - $50, plaque, certificate, t-shirt

• Second place - $30, plaque, certificate, t-shirt

• Third place - $20, plaque, certificate, t-shirt

• County winner - $100, plaque, certificate from the District

• County winner - $50 savings bond from Courier-Journal

• County runner-up - $50, plaque certificate from the District

Call the officer near the upcoming date for information.