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Fertilizers can’t do
the whole job of keeping your
lawn healthy and beautiful because
they can’t raise the pH
of acid soil. Poor lawns are
often the result of acidic soil.
Lime is an excellent way to
correct low soil pH. Fall is
the best time for liming your
lawn because the soil expands
and contracts as the temperature
fluctuates during the winter
months. This motion works the
lime into the soil. Also, the
increase of moisture during
the fall and winter helps “percolate”
the ground and coats the soil
with lime particles.
Pelletized forms can be applied
to the lawn with a drop or rotary
spreader. Application rates
for the different types of soil
are listed right on the back
of the product bag. Generally,
fifty pounds of lime per thousand
square feet will raise the pH
1⁄2 of a point.
How do soils become acidic?
Over the years, calcium and
magnesium, the alkaline components
in the soil, become replaced
by hydrogen and are lost in
drainage water. Also, while
nitrogen is essential for good
growth of grass, heavy applications
make the soil more acidic. Not
only does lime correct the acidity
of the soul by reducing the
toxic amounts of aluminum, manganese
and iron, but it also supplies
calcium and magnesium, which
are essential for plant growth.
Other benefits of applying lime
include less leaching of potassium,
making phosphorus more available
and speeding the decomposition
of organic matter in the soil
for reuse by the plant.
How can you find out if your
soil is too acidic? Bring in
a soil sample, 1⁄2 cup
taken from a depth of 6 inches,
for a free pH test or, for a
complete analysis of your soil,
contact your county agent for
a Soil Test Kit.
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