Apart from balancing soil pH, the benefits of lime for your lawn also include enhancing root growth, improving nutrient uptake, and preventing certain weeds and moss.
So, if you want to neutralize the acidity of your soil, liming your lawn is the way to go. Not only will it bring balance back to your soil, but it will also help your grass grow healthy and lush.
Why add lime to your lawn
Turfgrass grows best with a soil pH level that’s slightly acidic to neutral (pH range of 6.0 to 7.0). Lawns that could benefit from lime products generally have a pH below 6.0, which means the soil is too acidic.
When soil is too acidic, the roots struggle to uptake available nutrients. So, no matter which type of fertilizer you apply to the lawn, the acidic soil will hinder nutrient absorption. As a result, your turfgrass may weaken — making it susceptible to the following:
- Lawn diseases
- Yellowing grass
- Wilting grass blades
- Increase in lawn weeds
- Increase in lawn moss
- Lawn pests
No matter how much you fertilize or water, it’s not enough to maintain the health of your lawn if the soil pH is too acidic. This is where lime comes in, as it can help balance soil acidity.
A natural soil amendment, lime comes in the form of finely ground limestone or dolomite that’s rich in calcium and magnesium. It’s not a fertilizer but rather a soil conditioner.
Lime is like a helper for your lawn, and here are the key reasons you should use it:
Balance soil pH
Your soil can become more acidic over time. Some factors contributing to soil’s acidity include certain fertilizers, irrigation, and even rainfall. Nitrogen fertilizers affect soil’s pH level the most, but it still depends on the type of fertilizer used.
According to Mark Andrew Bell, international research and extension expert at the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, the most acidifying nitrogen fertilizers are ammonium-based, while nitrate-based fertilizers are the least acidifying.
Once the soil becomes too acidic, it will be hard for your grass to grow. Applying lime can help fix this issue by making the soil less acidic and more balanced. When your soil’s pH is just right (between 6.0 and 7.0), your grass can absorb nutrients better.
Improve nutrient accessibility
Your soil condition must be favorable to improve nutrient absorption. So, it’s crucial to have a balanced soil pH level. If your soil is too acidic, adding lime correctly can make it friendlier to essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This means your grass can get the food needed to grow green and strong.
If you’re also fertilizing your lawn, note that acidic soil can reduce the effectiveness of plant food. So, if you want to maximize the benefits of your fertilizer, remember to lime your lawn first before fertilizing it.
Enhance root growth
With the right pH and access to all vital nutrients, healthy soil can encourage your grass roots to grow deeper and healthier. As a result, your lawn will be resilient and more resistant to drought. There’ll be fewer bare spots and your grass will be thicker and greener, even in hot weather.
Liming your lawn also promotes the formation of soil aggregates and improves the soil itself. With an enhanced soil structure, your lawn will have better drainage and make it easier for air, water, and nutrients to reach the root system.
Prevent moss and certain weeds
Moss and certain weeds like plantain, dandelion, and crabgrass thrive in acidic soil. So, if your soil is too acidic, applying lime can make it less inviting for these unwanted weeds. Doing so will lessen your reliance on chemical weed control solutions.
FAQ about the benefits of lime for lawns
Can lime sustain my soil’s pH level for a long time?
Depending on your soil type and weather conditions, a single application of lime can keep your soil pH balanced for around two to three years.
Will liming my lawn help prevent soil compaction?
Yes. Since lime helps improve soil structure, your soil will be less compacted and well-aerated.
When should I apply lime?
The best time to apply lime is in the fall or early spring. For the lime to be more effective, you want the soil to be moist but not too waterlogged.
Let a pro lime your lawn
If you want to improve your lawn’s health, you must go beyond the usual watering, mowing, and fertilizing. Do a soil test to determine if your lawn needs lime. Combined with proper lawn care, lime applications can help keep your lawn healthy and beautiful year after year. Ask a lawn care pro today to find out how easy it is to enjoy all these benefits without doing any of the work.
Source list:
- https://ucanr.edu/sites/soils/files/306283.pdf
- https://nutrients.ifas.ufl.edu/nutrient_pages/BSFpages/soilssacidity.shtm/SoilAcidity.htm
- https://extension.msstate.edu/sites/default/files/publications/publications/p2571_0.pdf
- https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/ag-hub/ag-topics/crop-production/soil-health/aggregation-erosion/aggregates-are-part-soil-structure
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