Soil Analysis of Great Island

EDITORS EMPHASIS

Don’t hold off on seeding until the spring, this includes patch seed mixes for thin spots. The crabgrass pre-emergent we apply will impede any development from new grass seeds.

The lawn soil analysis at Great Island showed similar results throughout the property. The pH levels of the soil ranged from as low as 5.5 (the Reaches) to as high as 6.75 (the empty lot where we park our equipment). The optimal pH level in soil for turf is 6.5-7.5. Soils under 6.5 are considered acidic, and soils with a pH level greater than 7.5 are consider alkaline.

The tested areas also showed similar nutrient deficiencies across the board.

• Levels of Magnesium ranged from VERY LOW to MEDIUM. Magnesium’s main function is chlorophyll synthesis which basically gives the plant its color. It also helps aid in winter hardiness and helps the grass green up quickly in the spring. Mostly all soils in the New England region are lacking in Magnesium. The form of Dolomitic Lime we apply in the fall does help raise Magnesium levels in the soil.
• Levels of Calcium in the soil ranged from VERY LOW to MEDIUM/LOW. Calcium aids in fertility of the plants. Again, the form of Dolomitic lime we use will help increase calcium levels in the soil.
• Levels of Potassium in the soil ranged from LOW to HIGH MEDIUM. Potassium is provided with every fertilizer application we apply in different forms. Potassium helps aid in the uptake of other nutrients to the plant like Nitrogen and Magnesium. Continuing with a regular fertilization program is key to maintaining good levels of Potassium in the soil.
• Levels of Phosphorus in the soil ranged from MEDIUM to SURPLUS. Phosphorus is essential for plant growth. It stimulates growth of young plants, giving them a good and vigorous start. This is another nutrient that is provided to the soils with most fertilization applications.
• Levels of Hydrogen in the soil were all SURPLUS. Nothing surprising here, acidic soils tend to have high amounts of Hydrogen. PH stands for Potential for Hydrogen. The uses of it are way more scientific than need to be discussed. No actions need to be taken to directly lower the amount of Hydrogen.
• The Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) of the soil ranged from 5.5 to 7.5. CEC is the ability of the soil to hold nutrients. These levels are relatively low, but not surprising due to the coarse sandy soils throughout.

I think we’re on the right path, lime rates should be upped from a low maintenance level (10 lbs per 1,000 sq/ft) to an amendment level (15-25 lbs per 1,000 sq/ft) to help add calcium and magnesium to the soils.

Residents whose lawns have suffered some thinning due to the summer stress and fungus/disease we dealt with this year should consider having their lawns seeded by October 15th. Thin lawns are breeding grounds for weeds. Weeds like Dandelion and clover cannot be prevented with chemical controls, but the numbers they break out in can be GREATLY reduced by thickening up turf. The use of post emergent weed controls over time can weaken root systems leading to decline. A thicker, stronger lawn with well-developed roots should be our ultimate goal. It holds back weeds, fights off heat stress/drought and minimizes the spread of disease.

I recommend using a sun/shade mix with Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Rye and Creeping Red Fescue for a balanced, uniform appearance. Any days where temperatures exceed 55 degrees are days that allow grass to germinate and grow, It’s important we allow any new seed to develop for a couple of weeks before we hit a frost. Don’t hold off on seeding until the spring, this includes patch seed mixes for thin spots. The crabgrass pre-emergent we apply will impede any development from new grass seeds.

Report Prepared by:

Jim Burns, President
Fairway Lawn Care Corporation

[SOURCE: Landscape Update Soil Analysis, September 26, 2008 (via E-Mail)]