Adding fertilizer without testing soil is like taking medicine without knowing if you need it. Your soil already has some of the nutrients needed for good plant growth, such as nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. It is important to find out how much of each nutrient is present. Soil testing takes the guesswork out of how much fertilizer to use. Check with the Penn State Cooperative Extension Service about testing your soil.

Proper landscape practices help prevent soil erosion. Like pesticides and fertilizers, soil washed away by rain can pollute streams, lakes or bays. Even if you do not live near water, soil will eventually be carried to surface water in runoff from storms. Gardens, lawns and construction sites with areas of bare soil - especially on sloped land - are prone to soil erosion.

You can protect soil and reduce erosion by planting ground cover vegetation or using wood-chip mulch or landscape fabric. On steep slopes, plant vigorous ground cover but avoid turf grass, which requires mowing. Building terraces or retaining walls on slopes can also help prevent soil loss. As with lawns, choose plants that are suited to your area and resistant to insects and diseases.

Take proper care of your lawn. Cutting your grass to the right height is important. Lawns cut too short invite weeds to invade. Grass clippings should be left on the lawn in many cases, they; they supply enough natural fertilizer so that only minimal additional fertilizer is needed to keep your lawn green and healthy. Clippings should be swept off of paved surfaces, so they aren't carried away by storm water.

Composting can be a cost-effective, natural way to handle leaves, grass clippings and other yard waste - materials that might otherwise end up in a landfill. Composting creates an organic, slow-release fertilizer and soil enhancing material. It takes advantage of nature's recycling system for breaking down plant and other materials.

To compost, simply put yard waste in a pile, or install homemade or store-bought bins to contain the material. In addition to yard waste, you can add vegetable trimmings and fruit peels from your kitchen. Your compost pile will remain relatively odor-free if it is turned and aerated regularly.

Ron Fodor is district manager of the Butler County Conservation District.