Lawn Care – Start the year off right with Liming

What is liming?

It is the method of applying a substance that would lower soil acidity. This will increase the soil pH.

What is soil pH?

pH is the percentage of acidity or alkalinity in the soil. The pH scale covers a continuum ranging from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very alkaline), 7 being neutral. Soil pH values are primarily determined by rainfall and human activities. As rainfall percolates through the soil it removes ions of calcium and magnesium. These two elements help keep the soil from becoming overly acidic. However, in today’s environment the pH of rainfall itself is becoming more and more acidic.

Why Lime?

Cool season turf grasses grow best in soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.2. Fine fescues, perennial rye grasses, and tall fescues will grow best in a range of 6.0 to 6.5. Beneficial soil microorganisms find it difficult to survive in soils with an acidic pH. Certain weed types grow best when the pH is acidic. Soil with a highly acidic pH will lower the effectiveness of some herbicides and insecticides.

How do I know the soil pH value in my soil?

There are several good pH test kits available to the homeowner. These will give you a general idea of what your pH values are. Alternately you can take a sample of your soil to a local garden center or county agricultural department for an analytical pH test.