The correct soil pH allows grass to absorb nutrients from the soil.
During the spring, homeowners expect their lawns to turn green and start growing. Grass grows not only through photosynthesis, making energy from the sun, but also by absorbing nutrients from the soil. In fact, the proper nutrients need to be absorbed in order for photosynthesis to even take place. For the grass to be able to absorb the nutrients properly, the soil pH needs to be at the correct level. Grasses grow best with a pH level between 6 and 7, with 6.5 being ideal.
Instructions
1. Test the soil using a soil test kit. These kits are available for purchase at your local garden center. The results tell you if the soil is to acidic, with a low pH level, or too alkaline, with a high pH level.
2. Raise the pH level by applying lime. Pour the lime in a broadcast spreader. Set the spreading rate to 50 pounds of lime for every 1,000 square feet. Push the spreader back and forth over the lawn. Fall is the best time of year to spread lime, although it may be applied at any time.
3. If you need to lower the soil pH, spread sulfur. Pour the sulfur into the broadcast spreader. The spreading rate depends on the type of soil. Sandy soils require 10 pounds of sulfur for every 1,000 square feet. Clay soils require 20 pounds of sulfur for every 1,000 square feet. Any soil in between takes 15 pounds every 1,000 square feet. Push the spreader back and forth over the lawn to evenly distribute the sulfur. Retest the soil after two weeks to see if it needs more sulfur.
4. Test the soil once per year. Make adjustments each year as necessary. Lime tends to stay in the soil for four to six years. However, sulfur is washed away more quickly, especially if the soil is low in organic matter.
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