The success of your grass depends greatly on the conditions of the soil at the germination stage. One of the most critical properties to check is the soil pH levels in the soil. Let’s find out what it is and how you can rectify the pH levels for proper germination of seeds. Most grass for lawns thrives in neutral to slightly acidic. That means a soil pH between 6.5 and 7, with some types doing well in lower levels.
What is pH?
PH is a numerical rating for acidity or alkalinity. The values run from zero, which is the most acidic, to 14, which is the most basic or alkaline, while any value around seven is neutral.
Having optimum pH in the soil allows the seedlings to absorb nutrients more effectively, resulting in proper germination and fast growth. Any germination occurring outside the pH range results in poor growth, and the seedling will struggle to survive even with the provision of nutrients and water.
Soil pH varies according to climatic conditions of regions as well as the physical surroundings. A climate with dense forest may have acidic soils, while those in Rocky Mountains may have almost neutral pH levels, about 6.0-6.5. Texas soil generally has a pH between 4.5 and 8.5. That’s a pretty big range, but Texas is a big state, and the various regions can vary greatly from each other.
The significance of soil pH is that if your soil is too acid or alkaline, naturally occurring soil nutrients, or those that you add, are often not available to the plants.
Changing the Soil pH Level
You can rectify the pH levels of soil to suit the conditions required by your grass seedlings. There are various liming materials from limestone products that change the soil pH value to the required level. Other basic methods include wood ashes that are effective in raising the soil pH. For decreasing pH, ornamental plants and fruit plants are applicable. Sometimes it is best to talk to an expert that has access to better tools and their experience can expedite the whole process.
Professional Soil Preparation for Hydromulch
Making the soil suitable to grow your grass can be challenging. Also, the measures you need to take and rectify the soil can be costly and daunting.
A-1 Erosion Control tests your soil for free if there have been issues and offers recommendations on the best solutions to balance your soil pH. We have an array of products to use, including ProGanics, JumpStart, and BioPrime to help your lawn grow beautifully. Contact us today to get started.