This is just too funny and too creative not to share! The USDA in Montana has developed a fun way to test the fertility and health of your soil. “Just bury a pair of cotton underwear around June and dig it back up after at least 60 days. It’s the quick and dirty way to test the microbial activity in your soil. The more the underwear is deteriorated, the healthier your soil!” Complete instructions are available here. There’s even a guide for judging the results.
I could see this adopted as a local Grange Promotion, with results being brought to the hall for judging. It would certainly be fun to create a certificate of accomplishment for the winner and a great way to generate curiosity about the Grange!