canairb lawn soil report 2017

Learn how improving your soil can lead to a better looking lawn
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canairb
Posts: 33
Joined: April 17th, 2017, 8:37 pm
Location: Southeast, VA
Grass Type: Tifway Bermuda Front, Common Bermuda Back
Lawn Size: 10000-20000
Level: Experienced

canairb lawn soil report 2017

Post by canairb » May 11th, 2017, 11:35 am

Three year old new construction in south east Virginia, Tidewater area.
Moved in November 2016

12,000 sq ft total lawn
Front Bermuda 4,000 sq ft
Back Contractor mix 8,000 sq ft

I mulch mow, cutting front Bermuda as low as mower will go, about 1.5 inches and back 3-4 inches.

I do not have irrigation installed. I will be watering the front regularly, but not the back.

I do get quit a bit of standing water in areas after heavy rains.

I request advice for the "best" approach to improve my soil.


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andy10917
Posts: 29739
Joined: February 23rd, 2009, 10:48 pm
Location: NY (Lower Hudson Valley)
Grass Type: Emblem KBG (Front); Blueberry KBG Monostand (Back)
Lawn Size: 1 acre-2 acre
Level: Advanced

Re: canairb lawn soil report 2017

Post by andy10917 » May 21st, 2017, 9:26 am

It's pretty surprising that you get standing water - the TEC indicates a very sandy soil and the physical analysis backs it up -- 72%+ sand. Unless that soil has a clay layer down just a little deeper (a horizon) I'm surprised. You may want to do the (free) percolation test outlined in the Soil Management Part 1 article.

As I mentioned, the soil is quite sandy and the OM is mediocre. Do everything you can to add organic matter.

In the cations, all is showing moderate shortages and that leads to the pH of 5.9. Apply good calcitic lime (Encap/Mag-I-Cal/Solu-Cal) at the "Heavy Rate" on the bag mixed with 2 lbs/K Epsom Salts. Apply every 90 days.

Since both Phosphorus and Potassium are short, get and post the NPK of a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 or 19-19-19. I'll provide app rates and frequency info.

Iron levels are good.

In the micro’s, it’s Boron, Manganese, Copper and Zinc - the Fearsome Foursome. Get Twenty Mule Team Laundry Soap (grocery), Manganese Sulfate (Amazon/EBay, Copper Sulfate (Amazon/EBay), and Zinc Sulfate (Amazon/Ebay) and apply each at three tablespoons/K every 60 days. Read the Micronutrient Application Guide for application specifics.

canairb
Posts: 33
Joined: April 17th, 2017, 8:37 pm
Location: Southeast, VA
Grass Type: Tifway Bermuda Front, Common Bermuda Back
Lawn Size: 10000-20000
Level: Experienced

Re: canairb lawn soil report 2017

Post by canairb » May 21st, 2017, 11:13 am

I believe the combination of low water table and clay sub soil leads to the poor drainage problem I have. I will do the percolation test soon and let you know the results.

I have purchased a 10-10-10 fertilizer available at my big box store and would appreciate the application rate and frequency.

I will be placing my order to work on the micro's.

Thank you, I really appreciate the time you take to guide us in our efforts for better soil/lawns.

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andy10917
Posts: 29739
Joined: February 23rd, 2009, 10:48 pm
Location: NY (Lower Hudson Valley)
Grass Type: Emblem KBG (Front); Blueberry KBG Monostand (Back)
Lawn Size: 1 acre-2 acre
Level: Advanced

Re: canairb lawn soil report 2017

Post by andy10917 » May 21st, 2017, 11:21 am

10-10-10 is applied at 10 lbs/K. Apply monthly except in July, and make the August app in the later part of the month. It's up to you about whether to switch to the Fall Nitrogen Regimens in the Fall.

canairb
Posts: 33
Joined: April 17th, 2017, 8:37 pm
Location: Southeast, VA
Grass Type: Tifway Bermuda Front, Common Bermuda Back
Lawn Size: 10000-20000
Level: Experienced

Re: canairb lawn soil report 2017

Post by canairb » May 21st, 2017, 3:05 pm

Thanks again Andy.


canairb
Posts: 33
Joined: April 17th, 2017, 8:37 pm
Location: Southeast, VA
Grass Type: Tifway Bermuda Front, Common Bermuda Back
Lawn Size: 10000-20000
Level: Experienced

Re: canairb lawn soil report 2017

Post by canairb » May 31st, 2017, 9:40 am

For the lime/epsom salts (every 90 days) and micro (every 60 days) applications, what time of the year should I stop application or do I continue on to next spring as long as ground is not frozen?

canairb
Posts: 33
Joined: April 17th, 2017, 8:37 pm
Location: Southeast, VA
Grass Type: Tifway Bermuda Front, Common Bermuda Back
Lawn Size: 10000-20000
Level: Experienced

Re: canairb lawn soil report 2017

Post by canairb » May 31st, 2017, 1:59 pm

When you recommend to apply Lime at the "heavy rate" on the bag, would you give me an example with the below label? My PH is 5.9. Would I apply 60 lbs per 5K as on the label, or is there a heavier rate that I should use?


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User avatar
andy10917
Posts: 29739
Joined: February 23rd, 2009, 10:48 pm
Location: NY (Lower Hudson Valley)
Grass Type: Emblem KBG (Front); Blueberry KBG Monostand (Back)
Lawn Size: 1 acre-2 acre
Level: Advanced

Re: canairb lawn soil report 2017

Post by andy10917 » May 31st, 2017, 6:09 pm

I would not go beyond 12 lbs/K, in any circumstance. It is better to make more applications per year than to dump a ton on all at once -- too much at once is stressful to the grass plants, and may lead to a higher likelihood of disease. Our approach is reasonable applications every 90 days.

canairb
Posts: 33
Joined: April 17th, 2017, 8:37 pm
Location: Southeast, VA
Grass Type: Tifway Bermuda Front, Common Bermuda Back
Lawn Size: 10000-20000
Level: Experienced

Re: canairb lawn soil report 2017

Post by canairb » June 6th, 2017, 8:59 am

I did the soil percolation test this weekend. First hour it dropped about 1 1/2 inches and then drained very, very slowly after that.

Got this info from our cities soil survey.

Tomotley
Surface layer:
0 to 8 inches—very dark grayish brown fine sandy loam
Subsurface layer:
8 to 10 inches—light brownish gray fine sandy loam; common dark gray mottles
Subsoil:
10 to 23 inches—gray sandy clay loam; strong brown and yellowish brown masses of
oxidized iron
23 to 40 inches—gray sandy clay loam; strong brown, yellowish brown, and red
masses of oxidized iron
40 to 50 inches—light gray fine sandy loam; strong brown and yellowish brown
masses of oxidized iron
Substratum:
50 to 60 inches—light gray loamy fine sand; light yellowish brown and strong brown
masses of oxidized iron

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