Be Candlewood Lake-Smart: Test Your Soil Before Fertilizing

Again this year, residents will have the opportunity to promote their soil’s health while also protecting our environment. Building on the success of similar events held over the past ten years with nearly 1,000 property owners participating, plans are set for the 2018 Soil Testing Day on Saturday, April 21 -- in advance of spring fertilizer applications. This year’s event will be held at two outside locations: in New Fairfield at Stop & Shop (5 Rte 39, from 8:30 until 3 PM), and at the Sherman IGA (from 9 to 3 PM). Residents from throughout the Candlewood Lake Watershed and beyond are welcome to participate.

On Soil Testing Day, lawn and garden soils are being accepted for lab analysis of nutrient content to determine if fertilization is indeed necessary and, if so, in what quantities and with which nutrient supplements. Two-thirds of those participating in the past found that no additional phosphorus was needed -- a significant finding in light of the potential harm that can result if storm water transports excess nutrients and pollutes our lakes and streams. There, these nutrients can contribute to the growth of algae, milfoil and other invasive aquatic plants and do similar damage to the ecosystem. (Phosphorus can be particularly harmful to our waters and, for this reason, Public Act #12-155 was passed in 2013 restricting its application in CT.)

This Lake-friendly event offers several key advantages: it’s smart, free for first-timers, and it’s easy to participate. Testing before fertilizing allows residents to consider if it’s necessary, and then apply only what’s needed for healthy lawns and gardens -- potentially saving both money and energy while protecting our Watershed. To build area-wide participation and further promote healthy practices, the event is again being fully underwritten for all first-time participants; those who have benefitted previously are being asked to pay $5 to help defray local program and promotional costs (guidelines suggest testing every 3-5 years, and more frequently if the soil has been significantly disturbed). Plus, when you return your samples, a special discount coupon will be offered to help offset any recommended fertilizer expenses.

For convenience and as an alternative, participants can elect to draw samples in advance. Instructions are now posted on the CLA’s web site for early and easy access – go to www.candlewoodlakeauthority.org/soiltesting for specifics – which advise residents how to draw samples at their convenience and when the soil is dry, and return them on the day of the event. These directions will guide you in scooping samples and packaging them for return to Stop & Shop/the Sherman IGA between 1 and 3 PM. If you’ll be travelling or otherwise engaged, simply ask a neighbor to drop your samples off on the 21st at either location -- it’s that easy.

All Lake-area property owners are urged to participate since what is applied on one parcel of land in one area of town can well affect neighboring lots and wells and be carried through feeder streams and storm drain systems to other water bodies. Timed to coincide with Earth Day weekend events, this is a great opportunity to demonstrate you care and are willing to act to protect our critical resources. So please join with your neighbors and participate -- for your property’s, the environment’s, our streams’ and our lakes’ sake.