| A basic understanding of soils allows the gardener to | | | | Regular aeration, vertical mowing, top dressing with |
| work with natural processes to enhance plant root | | | | compost or rich soil, proper fertility management and |
| growth and overall vigor.Soil is an amazingly complex, | | | | applications of foliar and soil biostimulants are all |
| living ecosystem requiring a balance of organic, | | | | proven techniques for rejuvenating a poor lawn.A |
| inorganic, living and nonliving components. Recent soil | | | | properly balanced soil will support deep, extensive |
| science research has demonstrated that the most | | | | root systems, allowing plants to assimilate all available |
| productive soils are loaded with a variety of microbial | | | | food and moisture. The result is a thick turf which |
| life; beneficial fungi, bacteria, yeasts and other | | | | resists drought, weeds and disease.For basic physical |
| microorganisms work to decompose organic matter | | | | soil analysis, use a soil probe or large, strong knife to |
| into humus. Humus directly influences both the | | | | cut samples at least six inches deep. Examine for |
| assimilation of nutrients and plant resistance to | | | | thatch layer thickness, particle size and distribution, |
| disease, insects, drought and other stresses.Physically, | | | | compaction and topsoil depth. A minimum of six |
| soil should be composed of fifty percent solids and | | | | inches of properly balanced soil is required to grow a |
| twenty five percent each of liquid and air, with an | | | | healthy lawn. A thatch layer thicker than one-half inch |
| organic matter content of three to five percent. This | | | | will act like a sponge to limit the penetration of water |
| side of Iowa, the "ideal" soil is seldom found in the | | | | and nutrients to the root system.If necessary, |
| native habitat. In many regions of the country, we | | | | consult with a qualified landscape professional for help |
| are required to amend the soil to provide the optimal | | | | with soil testing. Basic chemical soil tests (nitrogen, |
| growth environment.The various fine-particle clays | | | | phosphorus, potassium and pH) can be handled |
| and silts of benefit greatly from the addition of | | | | through the county extension service. For very |
| organic matter. Alkaline clays (high pH) should also be | | | | thorough soil analysis with written interpretation and |
| amended with gypsum. The addition of organic | | | | recommendations, contact Integrated Fertility |
| matter to sandy and gravely soils is also beneficial, | | | | Management at (800) 332-3179.What occurs below |
| increasing water retention and providing essential | | | | ground, unseen, largely determines what we see |
| nutrients. Initial expense for organic matter and other | | | | above ground. The knowledge of basic soil conditions |
| amendments pays for the continued beauty and | | | | is essential to proper cultural decisions and practices. |
| health of the planting.New lawn installations should | | | | Again, healthy soil grows healthy plants.Visit Our |
| start with basic soil considerations; physical and | | | | Website for Interactive Landscape Design Online, |
| chemical soil analyses may be desired. Marginal soil | | | | Earth-Friendly Garden Products and Free Landscaping |
| conditions in existing lawns can be improved with | | | | Tips for the Do-It-Yourself Homeowner. |
| cultural programs designed for the specific site. | | | | |