Various factors affect soil conditions and increased
acidity. Low soil pH (highly acidic) can be caused by leaching of nutrients
from the soil as well as the soil type and even irrigation frequency. Also,
decomposition of organic matter may reduce soil pH and
increase acidity.
When soil pH is below 7.0, the soil is said to be acidic.
When the pH is above 7.0 it is alkaline. Most soils in our area are acidic and
the majority of lawns will benefit from liming. Our testing the past 3 years
has consistently returned low pH readings on lawns with samples as low as 4.8!
Why is soil pH important? As the graph indicates, low pH
affects nutrient availability. Nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, sulfur,
calcium, magnesium and molybdenum can all be affected. With these nutrients
tied up in the soil by low pH, the lawn’s color, vigor, and ability to resist
disease, heat and drought stress can be reduced. Applying lime not only changes the soil pH,
but it adds essential nutrients to the soil such as calcium and magnesium.
Consider these the “vitamins” in your lawn’s meal plan!
Lime applications help to balance the soil and make these
most important nutrients available for the best health and quality of the soil
and your lawn. Based on our most recent 3 years of testing, we recommend most
lawns receive at least a maintenance level liming every fall. If you need more
information about your lawn’s pH, give us a call at 413-736-9333.
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