The Environmental Commission will distribute prepaid soil testing kits to residents.
By: Josh Appelbaum
The Environmental Commission wants to slow down water pollution by making sure residents fertilize their lawns only when needed.
To meet that end, the commission will distribute prepaid soil testing kits to residents.
The kits will allow residents to send samples of their lawn to the Soil Testing Laboratory at Rutgers University, where the lab will provide recommendations on whether fertilizer or lime is needed for a healthy lawn.
Studies by the commission have documented elevated levels of pollutants from storm-water runoff that flushes fertilizers from lawns and gardens into local lakes and streams.
Commission Chairman Peter Sibley said storm water flushes pollutants like phosphorus into waters in Cranbury, including Brainerd Lake and Cranbury Brook.
Gardeners sometimes either apply too much lime or fertilizer to lawns or fertilize too often, according to Mr. Sibley.
He said applying fertilizer only when needed can save residents money and protect the township’s natural resources.
The soil testing kits have been paid for by the Environmental Commission.
Mr. Sibley said so far 15 residents have used them. At least 75 kits are still available.
To get a free test call (609) 395-0900 ext. 229 for availability and pickup times.