The Importance of Soil Testing and Amendments
Sometimes, lawns need extra help to reach their full potential. This is where testing and soil amendments help you target key areas for additional care.
Although dirt seems ordinary, many different factors determine its viability with certain species of plants. The level of minerals, nutrients, and a mixture of organic materials are complex factors Aqualon considers when planning a landscaping project.
As any home gardener will tell you, it can be frustrating to continually nurture your lawn and plants only to reap less than beautiful results. In many cases, an uncooperative lawn can be due to many reasons, such as the history of care, soil’s pH level, nutrient balance, and the ability to deliver water and air to the crop.
The best way to determine if your lawn lacks the qualities necessary to yield a healthy and appealing crop is to conduct soil testing. These tests help us determine the required next steps to restore health to your lawn and soil.
The two main qualities that make for healthy garden soil are fertility and texture.
- Fertility is a combination of nutrients and soil pH levels that help the plants absorb these nutrients.
- Texture refers to the size of the soil particles, cohesiveness, and the soil’s ability to transfer water and air to the plants.
What happens if my lawn is unhealthy?
If the soil test tells us your lawn needs “help,” we will recommend one or more soil amendments to bring your lawn back to life.
What are soil amendments?
Think of soil amendments like supplements or vitamins. They enrich the soil using organic materials. Typically, it’s an on-going process best begun when you first establish your garden, and anytime you are undertaking new planting for the season or year.
Here are some examples of soil amendments the Aqualon team uses:
- Compost. Garden waste and kitchen scraps are excellent tools for amendment due to the organic material.
- Composted Manure. You don’t have to worry about off-putting smells. This material is also composted until it turns dark, crumbly, and odorless.
- Peat Moss. This is a cheap product that works well to loosen the soil.
- Grass Clippings. Untreated grass and other plant debris are excellent for working back into the soil.
- Cover Crops. Also known as green manure, these plants are grown on unused soil and are allowed to decompose as they are tilled back into the ground.
Sometimes, lawns and soil need a little extra help to reach their full potential, but we work with our clients to create the landscaping they desire. It’s essential to get a lawn care routine right; otherwise, a hefty bit of time and money could be wasted.
If you have concerns about the health of your lawn and soil, please give us a call. Let our team help you make the best and most beautiful decisions for your lawn.