“Dig Up Dirt” Says Geneva College Chemistry Society - Geneva College
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“Dig Up Dirt” Says Geneva College Chemistry Society

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(BEAVER FALLS, Pa.) - The Geneva College Chemistry Society invites the public to dig up dirt samples and drop them off for analysis. The analysis of lawn and garden samples reveals the nature and contents of the soil, enabling proper fertilization and soil treatment for the growing season.

Participants may submit samples from Tuesday, March 14 through Friday, March 31 at one of two drop off-locations: Geneva’s main campus in Beaver Falls, outside room 212 in the Science & Engineering Building (S&E) or Campbell Laboratory, 1900 Third Avenue in New Brighton. Both locations accept samples from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday.

The Chem Society accepts only the first 100 samples, and they request a donation of two dollars per sample to defray the costs of analysis.

The Chem Society will analyze the pH, potassium content, and phosphorous content in the samples. The pH is a measure of the acidity of the soil. Potassium and phosphorus are fertilizer nutrients needed by plants.

Results will be mailed out to participants by the first week of May.

To obtain a sample from a lawn or garden, use a clean trowel to dig up a plug of soil about six inches in depth. A more representative sample may be obtained by taking several plugs and mixing them together. Soil should be obtained when it is fairly dry, if possible. Spread the soil sample on a newspaper to dry indoors for at least 24 hours, mix thoroughly and break up lumps, and place about one cup into a plastic bag.  Label the bag with name and address. Separate samples should be obtained for problem areas.

Any questions regarding soil testing should be directed to Dr. Kerry McMahon, Associate Professor of Chemistry, at 724-847-6722.

The Geneva College Chemistry Society is a student affiliate chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS). The chapter has been recognized as an honorable mention by the ACS for the quality of professional and service activities in 2005-06 and again in 2014-15.

Geneva College is a Christ-centered academic community that provides a comprehensive education to equip students for faithful and fruitful service to God and neighbor. Offering over 40 traditional undergraduate majors and programs, Adult Degree Programs with fully online and classroom options, and high-demand graduate degrees, Geneva's programs are recognized for their high quality. U.S. News & World Report ranks Geneva as a Top Three Best Value Regional University with one of the Top 100 engineering programs in the nation. Adhering to the truth of Scripture, a Geneva education is grounded in God’s Word as well as in a core curriculum designed to prepare students vocationally to think, write and communicate well in today’s world.

Mar 14, 2017