Victorians are being invited to dig a little deeper with the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) launching a program to uncover gritty mysteries in people’s gardens.
Chief Environmental Scientist at EPA, Mark Patrick Taylor said the new GardenSafe soil screening service would analyse dirt taken from properties across the State and tell residents what might be in amongst their vegetation.
Professor Taylor said the program was part of a global initiative to help individuals investigate soil health and potential contaminants in their gardens so they could work out the best use for their patch of paradise.
“By sending EPA a soil sample from your home garden you can have the data you need at the tip of your green thumb,” Professor Taylor said.
“If you are growing fruit and vegetables at home, you should use GardenSafe to check what is under the surface of your seedlings,” he said.
“The only cost to you is the postage.”
Professor Taylor said EPA scientists would assess each sample for trace elements and general soil quality indicators, including soil texture, composition, nutrients and organic carbon.
He said GardenSafe findings would help the Authority build an understanding of potential contamination levels in residential gardens across Victoria, but would not be used for EPA compliance or enforcement activities.
“This information will help gardeners better understand what’s in their soil,” the Chief Environmental Scientist said.
“It will also help to reduce potential risk and exposure if soil contamination is present.”
Professor Taylor said Victorians could send the GardenSafe team three soil samples, which must be taken from a residential property.
“EPA scientists will analyse the samples and provide a short report detailing the results and how to interpret them,” he said.
“Participants can also access information on growing fruit and vegetables safely in their gardens.”
Further information on EPA’s GardenSafe can be accessed at this PS News link.
