Greener, stronger, and healthier grass—how can you do it for very little money?
Grass with acidic pH
Grass with an acidic pH (generally below 6) may show a series of symptoms that indicate the soil is not providing the optimal environment for healthy grass growth. Some of the most common symptoms include:
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Yellowish or pale color: The grass may have a yellowish or pale color instead of a deep green, due to nutrient deficiency, especially nitrogen, which is essential for the growth and development of the grass.
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Slow and weak growth: An acidic pH can affect the grass's ability to absorb nutrients, resulting in slower and weaker growth. The grass may look thin and unhealthy.
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Presence of moss: Moss tends to thrive in acidic and humid soils, so if you notice moss in your lawn, this may be a sign of an acidic pH.
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Weed and disease problems: Grass growing in acidic soil may be more susceptible to diseases and pests, as well as weed invasion, since weaker grass has difficulty competing with weeds.
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Bare patches: Areas with dead or sparse grass may be more common in acidic soils, as the grass cannot absorb the nutrients needed for healthy growth.
Raise the pH of your lawn with agricultural dolomite soil amendment liming
To raise the pH of your lawn and make it more alkaline, you can follow these steps:
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Liming: The most common way to raise soil pH is to apply dolomitic agricultural lime. Dolomitic lime is a recommended option because, in addition to raising the pH, it also provides magnesium, an essential nutrient for grass.
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Amount of lime to apply: The amount of lime needed will depend on the soil texture and the desired pH level. It is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations or consult a local expert. In general, between 90 and 130 kg of lime are applied per 100 m², but this may vary.
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Applying the lime: The lime should be applied evenly over the lawn, using a fertilizer spreader (it can also be done by hand with patience). The best time to lime the lawn is in autumn or early spring, when conditions are humid and temperatures are cooler.
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Watering: After applying the lime, water the lawn to help the lime penetrate the soil.
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Monitoring: Conduct soil tests every year or every two years to verify changes in pH and adjust lime applications as needed. Keep in mind that the process of changing soil pH can take time, even up to a year or more.
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General maintenance: In addition to applying lime, follow good lawn maintenance practices, such as fertilization, watering, and aeration, to improve the health and resilience of your lawn.