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Many homeowners are aware of the importance of applying lime to the lawn, but few have a good understanding of why it is important, how to determine if it is necessary and how to go about the process. This tip from Heike Designs is the first in a series of stepping stones that will make up the path to a healthy, vibrant lawn.

The purpose of liming a lawn is to increase the pH of the soil. When soil pH drops below 6 (becomes too acidic), a number of nutrients necessary for proper growth become less available for use by the turf grass plant. These include nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, calcium, magnesium and molybdenum. Soil can become increasingly acidic as a result of the leaching of nutrients following heavy rainfall or irrigation, or through the use of acidic nitrogen fertilizers. As these nutrients become less available, the lawn’s color, vigor and ability to recover from heat, drought or traffic stress will be reduced. Re-liming to above pH 6 increases the availability of these nutrients, making it easier to maintain the quality of the lawn.

The only way to determine if liming is necessary is to perform a soil test. A home soil test kit or pH probe can indicate need. Individual soils, however, differ greatly in the amount of lime required to raise the pH. The amount will vary with the degree of acidity, soil type and the kind of lime material being applied. If a home test indicates soil acidity you will need to have a soil sample professionally tested to determine the precise amount and type of lime required.

Liming should only be carried out when soil testing indicates that it is needed. Yearly applications without tests can be detrimental as alkaline conditions may develop. An excessively high pH is just as undesirable as acidic soil and will result in a similar unhealthy lawn. Apply lime at any time of year, unless the grass is wilted or frost covered, to bring your lawn into the limelight!

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