IDENTIFYING SOIL TYPE AND QUALITY

County Extension Service Centers (located in each county and the Cherokee reservation): Have soil survey maps which indicate various types of soil (clay, sandy, etc.) but that do not denote chemical content. The maps vary in detail and include some descriptive information. Approximately 84% of the state's land area is mapped, and some maps are converted to computer format.

NCDA Agronomic Services Division (P.O. Box 27647, Raleigh 27611-7647; 919/733-2655): Tests soil samples for fertility free of charge. Boxes with instructions can be obtained from your county agricultural extension center and then sent with your soil sample to the Agronomic Services Division. You may send more than one sample (in separate boxes). The Division will determine the soil's lime and fertilizer needs.

Agriculture, soil, and pesticides/weed and pest control: Government Information
Sustainable food production and pest control techniques
Agriculture, soil, and pesticides/weed and pest control: Non-Government Information
Identifying soil type and quality
Pesticides: contamination, disposal, and potential health effects
Purchasing organic farming and gardening supplies

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