Harvey, Kendal, Sarah, Andrew and Aubrey Bolinger

By Laurie Lechlitner
InkFreeNews

NORTH MANCHESTER — “I grew up on a farm in Tipton,” stated Sarah Bolinger, North Manchester. “I was a 10 year 4-H’er and in FFA. I was on a soil judging team in both high school and college. I think those things may have contributed to my present occupation.”

Bolinger is a soil scientist for Fulton, Wabash, Whitley, Huntington and Kosciusko Counties.

Bolinger graduated from Purdue with a degree in agronomy. “My soil judging coach spoke to us about the profession, encouraging us to become soil scientists. Since I was also on the soil judging team at Purdue, the possibility seemed worthwhile.”

After graduation Bolinger worked at a Purdue Extension and a local co-op to gain experience needed to become a professional soil scientist. She is now an Indiana Registered Soil Scientist.

“My job as a soil scientist mainly revolves around helping people determine the best location for septic systems. I do the borings and classify the soil. I also take into consideration whether there are any gas lines or ditches in the area. Then I send my findings to the health department. Then it can be determined what size, kind and location for the new system. That information is passed on to the installer.”

Bolinger has always had a fascination with the soil. “When I was on the soil judging team, we were taught to evaluate the different layers of soil, identifying the color, texture and structure. Then we looked into how that soil was formed, possibly by glaciers, wind or water.”

When she worked for the co-op, Bolinger was the field scouting coordinator. “Part of my work involved sampling the field plots for nitrogen levels throughout the growing season to help farmers determine sufficient levels in their fields.”

She and her husband Andrew have an 80-acre farm. “We have a small sugar woods on our property. Sixty acres are reserved for our sheep and beef cattle. We’re a direct-to-consumer farm.”

Andrew goes along on assignments with Sarah to help dig holes. “We work together. I love that. Soil science is a business we do on the side of raising kids and doing farm work. We enjoy the freedom of being self-employed. I’ve learned by experience to accept payment the same day as the service rendered.”

Bolinger is a mother first. “We have three kids: Harvey, 4, Kendal, 3, and Aubrey, 1. I’m expecting another in November.” She enjoys homeschooling her children.

Her advice to others who want to be soil scientists: “Make sure the college you attend has classes on soil science. You’ll also want some fieldwork in the area. A person needs to know what they’re getting into before starting on a career in any field.”

The Bolingers will encourage their children to get involved in 4-H. “I remember when I was growing up. 4-H gave me something to look forward to each summer. I learned responsibility and time management. The projects we did were always educational. I loved baking and cooking and was a member of the livestock club.”

Her hobbies include vegetable gardening, reading and any outdoor activity. She loves her home church, Liberty Mills Church of the Brethren.

“Being knowledgeable about septic systems is very important. As a matter of fact, I advise people to have the soil checked before they buy property. A legal septic system needs careful planning.”