pH Soil Amendments
Testing your lawns soil pH level will indicate how acidic or alkaline your lawn is. A pH scale will run from 0 to 14. The lower the number the more acidic it is, the higher it is the more alkaline it is. A neutral level for these is between 6 and 7 on the pH scale.
Whilst different lawns will tolerate a variety of soil pHs. Optimal lawn health on this scale is between 5.5 and 7.
Acidic soil (6 or lower):
If your pH level in your lawn is below 6 you can bring it up with garden lime. Simply apply the lime, aerate it in or water in well.
Alkaline soil (8 or higher):
If your soil has too much alkaline. To reduce the lawn pH you will need a sulfur product like Manutec Fine Granule Sulphur. Like all products simply follow the application rates provided on the packaging and aerate or water in well.
For more information on pH levels see our handy article: Turf Tips: Does my lawn pH level matter?
Nitrogen (N) Soil Amendments
Nitrogen (N) will cause your lawn to grow and give a deep green colour. Though it will cause top growth at the expense of root growth.
Low
If there are low elements of Nitrogen (N) in your lawn. You will want to increase fertilising with a fertiliser with high amounts of Nitrogen (N) such as urea.
High
If your lawn has a high amount of Nitrogen (N). You may want to hold back on fertilising. Especially with fertilisers with high amounts of Nitrogen (N) such as an organic fertiliser.
For more information about fertilising see our handy fertilising guide: Lawn Fertilising Guide
Phosphorus (P) Soil Amendments
Phosphorus (P) is needed in the energy transfer system of the plant. It is needed in a lesser quantity than Nitrogen (N) and Potassium (K) and is most essential to a new lawn.
Low
If there are low elements of Phosphorus (P) in your lawn. Low Phosphorus (P) levels can be raised with guano phosphorus which comes in a granular form.
High
If your lawn has a high amount of Phosphorus (P). You may want to hold back on fertilising, especially with fertilisers with high amounts of Phosphorus (P). An option is to use a balanced fertiliser such as Lawn Solutions Fertiliser. High phosphorus levels can also cause deficiencies in zinc and iron. So a foliar application of zinc and iron chelate or iron sulphate can help your lawn look its best when phosphorus levels are high.
For more information about fertilising see our handy fertilising guide: Lawn Fertilising Guide
Potassium (K) Soil Amendments
Potassium (K) is what will make your lawn insect and disease resistant. Aiding in the development of the cell wall of the plant.
Low
If there are low elements of Potassium (K) in your lawn. Low Potassium (K) can be specifically raised with potash which comes in both liquid and granular form.
High
If your lawn has high Potassium (K) levels either skip fertilising or use a fertiliser with a 0 in the K position of NPK, such as urea.
For more information about fertilising see our handy fertilising guide: Lawn Fertilising Guide
To get more advice on soil amendments call our team on (07) 3114 8281. You can also to pop in and order in person at our sales office on 1/243 Bradman Street, Acacia Ridge. The office opens Monday to Friday 7am to 5pm and Saturday 7am to 12pm.
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