Soil pH Explained - [The Faster Way to a Greener Lawn]

Summary

This video delves into the significance of soil pH for lawn health, explaining the pH scale and its impact on nutrient availability. It highlights the optimal pH range for turf grass (5.8 to 7.2) and the consequences of deviations, such as aluminum toxicity at low pH and nutrient absorption issues at high pH. The video offers solutions like using calcitic or dolomitic lime to raise pH and ammonium sulfate or elemental sulfur to lower it, emphasizing the importance of regular soil testing for maintaining a healthy lawn.

Takeaways

• 🌱 Soil pH is crucial for lawn health as it affects nutrient availability to grass.
• 📊 The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 6.6 to 7.3 being neutral, below indicating acidity, and above indicating alkalinity.
• 🍃 Most turf grasses thrive in a pH range of 5.8 to 7.2, with mid-six being optimal.
• 🚫 Low pH can lead to increased levels of harmful elements like aluminum and reduced microbial activity.
• 🚫 High pH can hinder the absorption of essential micronutrients, leading to issues like chlorosis.
• 🌿 To raise acidic soil pH, add lime, such as calcitic or dolomitic lime, depending on soil magnesium levels.
• 🌳 To lower alkaline soil pH, use ammonium sulfate or elemental sulfur, which creates sulfuric acid.
• 🛒 The speaker recommends Jonathan Green's MAG-I-CAL products for adjusting soil pH, which also contain beneficial additives.
• 🔄 Regular soil testing is advised to monitor and adjust pH levels over time for optimal lawn performance.
• 💧 After applying soil amendments, water the area well and retest the soil pH after three months to assess changes.

Q & A

What is soil pH and why is it important for a lawn?

Soil pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the soil, ranging from 0 to 14. It is crucial because it greatly affects the availability of minerals and nutrients that grass needs to thrive. The optimal pH range for most turf grass is between 5.8 to 7.2.

What happens if soil pH is too low or too high?

If soil pH is too low (acidic), it can lead to the availability of toxic elements like aluminum and hinder the absorption of nutrients, affecting plant health. If it's too high (alkaline), it can prevent grass from absorbing essential micronutrients, leading to issues like chlorosis.

How does soil pH affect the availability of nutrients for grass?

Soil pH directly impacts the turf grass's ability to absorb nutrients. An optimal pH range allows for better nutrient uptake, while imbalances can either make nutrients unavailable or lead to the absorption of harmful elements.

What role do healthy microbes play in soil with an ideal pH?

Healthy microbes and bacteria are crucial for breaking down organic material and releasing nutrients in a form that can be absorbed by grass. A pH between 6.6 to 7.3 is ideal for these microbial activities, contributing to the availability of nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus.

What is the impact of low soil pH on root development and grass health?

Low soil pH can lead to the availability of aluminum, which can inhibit root development. This results in reduced capability to absorb water and nutrients, making grass more susceptible to disease and environmental harm.

How does high soil pH affect the grass's ability to produce chlorophyll?

High soil pH can hinder the grass's ability to absorb iron, an essential element for chlorophyll production. A deficiency in iron can lead to chlorosis, causing the grass to turn yellowish, affecting the lawn's visual appeal.

What are the two types of lime used to raise soil pH and when are they used?

Calcitic lime and dolomitic lime are used to raise soil pH. Calcitic lime is commonly used, while dolomitic lime is a substitute when soil tests reveal low magnesium in addition to low pH.

What is the recommended product for raising soil pH according to the video?

The video recommends MAG-I-CAL from Jonathan Green, which contains calcium carbonate to raise soil pH and also includes humic acid for nutrient penetration and a splash of iron for a deeper green color.

How can soil pH be lowered if it's on the high side?

To lower soil pH, ammonium sulfate as a nitrogen source or elemental sulfur can be used. The video suggests a product from Jonathan Green's MAG-I-CAL line, which contains both ammonium sulfate and sulfuric acid, along with humic acid.

What is the recommended course of action after applying soil amendments to adjust pH?

After applying soil amendments, it is recommended to test the soil three months later to see the effects. Regular soil testing is advised to move soil pH into the optimal range and determine the frequency of applications needed.

Why is it important to balance soil pH for the performance of fertilizers and soil amendments?

Balancing soil pH ensures that fertilizers and soil amendments are most effective, maximizing the quality of the lawn and the value of the investment. Proper pH levels allow for better nutrient absorption and overall lawn health.