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By: Jack Greenwood
The pH of your lawn soil is an important factor that affects
how your lawn grasses will grow. The pH value is an indicator
that tells you whether your soil is acidic or alkaline. A
balanced soil pH will ensure that your grasses are growing
optimally.
First of all, you need to do a soil test to find out the
pH value. You can do this in two ways. The first is to buy
a do-it-yourself soil pH test kit at any nursery near you
and follow the instructions provided by the kit. The result
is not highly reliable but it is enough to give you an approximate
pH value.
The other way is to let a soil test lab do the test for you.
Obviously this is more expensive than the first option but
the result is much more complete and reliable. Moreover, the
lab result often contains much more information about your
soil and not just the pH value. A good lab report will also
advise you the remedial action to take if the test reveal
any potential problems with your lawn.
The pH scale range from 1 to 14 with a pH of 1 being most
acidic and a pH of 14 being the most alkaline. A neutral pH
value is 7.0 but most lawn grass will thrive in slightly acidic
soil which has a pH value of 6.5 to 7.0.
If your soil has a pH value under 6.5, it is too acidic and
you have to add ground limestone to bring it back into balance.
If it is over 7.5, it is alkaline and you have to add soil
sulfur.
To find out how much sulfur or limestone you need to add
to your soil, obtain a soil chart from any soil laboratory,
lawn and gardening centers or cooperative extension offices.
The scale is usually based on pounds of material to add per
1,000 square feet. Thus it is imperative that you know the
size of your lawn. If you have not done so, measure your lawn's
length and width with a measuring tape. Multiply the two figures
to get the square footage of your lawn.
Once you know the amount of sulfur or limestone required,
use a drop spreader to apply these materials. A drop spreader
is not expensive and will help your spread the materials evenly
on your lawn. It can also be used to spread fertilizers. So
invest in one if you have not done so.
You may have to apply sulfur or limestone on a regular basis
in order to keep your soil pH in balance. Sometimes, applying
both sulfur and limestone may be necessary. However, do exercise
caution when applying sulfur as too much of it can burn your
lawn. Break up the sulfur application over a few parts and
apply them evenly will ensure that you have a pH balanced
lawn for your grasses to thrive.
About The Author
Jack Greenwood is the webmaster of GreenLawnCareTips.com which
provide information on lawn care and easy soil maintenance
tips. Sign up for a free 7-part Green Lawn Care mini course
at http://greenlawncaretips.com today.
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