Soil tests underway on farmland damaged by Hurricane Helene

Area farmers are now learning how the sediment left behind from Hurricane Helene’s floodwaters will impact their crops. Soil tests taken so far by the University of Tennessee Extension Office have not been favorable, but they plan to retest later this week. Soil specialists with the University of Tennessee Extension Office say that while soil testing shows adequate nutrients, the physical makeup of the hardened soil is another problem, preventing some small seeds from breaking through. A grant is covering the cost of the soil tests for flood-damaged farms. Both farmers and homeowners can contact their local UT Extension office for information on soil testing.