Geneva Chemistry Society Analyzes Residents Soil Samples

(BEAVER FALLS, Pa) — Geneva College Chemistry Society is once again accepting lawn and garden soil samples for testing. The first 100 samples only will be accepted for analysis from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, from Tuesday, March 17 through Friday, April 3. The drop-off location is outside room 212 in the Science & Engineering Building (S&E) on the Geneva campus.

The Geneva Chemistry Society is accepting a donation of one dollar per sample to defray the costs of analysis. Any questions regarding soil testing should be directed to Kerry McMahon at 724-847-6722.

To obtain a sample from your 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 your name and address. If a plot has a problem area, it may be advisable to obtain a separate sample from this area.

Soil will be tested for pH, potassium content and phosphorous content. 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 by the first week of May.

Geneva’s student-led Chemistry Society exists to provide social and academic opportunities for Chemistry and other Science Majors and sponsors events like:

• Movie Nights
• Special Speakers
• Visits to local schools to present science lessons
• Fieldtrips to local industries
• Liquid nitrogen ice cream
• Big Kablooey
• National Chemistry Week Activities
• Pumpkin explosions

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 145 traditional undergraduate majors and programs, fully online Adult Degree Programs and high-demand graduate degrees, Geneva’s programs are recognized for their high quality. Geneva is included on Kiplinger’s Personal Finance’s “2019 Best College Values” list and has one of the top undergraduate engineering programs in the nation, according to U.S. News and World Report. 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.