What is healthy soil?
The condition of the soil under your grass is the most important element to the overall health of your lawn. About half of the volume of a healthy soil is composed of mineral particles and organic matter. The other half of the volume is taken up with air and water (about 50/50). Soil maintenace involves aeration, pH balance, a steady source of new organic material and/or fertilizer. When the soil has sufficient air, water, minerals and organic material, it can support the life of microorganisms which produce valuable plant nutrients and help eliminate thatch through decomposition. Healthy soil can prevent a lot of problems and reduce your use of fertilzer, herbicides and pesticides. Core aeration reduces soil compaction and allows deeper root growth and improves drainage. A soil test will help you determine the pH level– the preferred pH for most turfgrasses ranges between six and seven (with 7 being neutral). If the soil is too acidic, it will discourage microbe activity. Nutrients a
