The Geronimo and Alligator Creeks Watershed Partnership is offering free soil tests to area farmers, ranchers and homeowners, reports AgriLife Today.

“A soil test will give you the necessary information on what levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and other nutrients are currently in your soil and help you determine how much and what kind of fertilizer is needed,” said Ward Ling, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service (AgriLife) program specialist in soil and crop sciences.

Soil testing can help landowners reduce the amount of unnecessary nutrients entering the water table. Geronimo Creek and its tributary, Alligator Creek, which flow through Comal and Guadalupe counties, were identified as needing watershed protection plan development due to concerns about high levels of nitrogen and elevated levels of bacteria.

Soil samples must be submitted in a soil sample bag available at either the Comal or Guadalupe County AgriLife Extension office. Return sample bags to these locations during March 11 through March 20.