kg70041s Soil Test 2017

Learn how improving your soil can lead to a better looking lawn
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kg70041
Posts: 30
Joined: May 2nd, 2017, 12:18 pm
Location: Fort Mill, SC
Grass Type: Bermuda Tif 419
Lawn Size: 5000-10000
Level: Experienced

kg70041s Soil Test 2017

Post by kg70041 » July 11th, 2017, 1:52 pm

10k square foot new construction lawn in Piedmont of SC (Charlotte, NC-Area). Land had been cleared for the better part of 7-8 years prior to the build as the original developer went under and construction stalled. Yard is predominantly flat with only minor slope to deal with in the NE corner. House faces directly south and gets plenty of sunshine all day. Soil was tested using turf probe at 6" depth with inch between 3-4" taken as sample (as instructed).

Sodded Tifway 419. Rotary mow twice to three times weekly and irrigate to supplement rainfall. Dropped some 25-0-5 twice this growing season prior to getting soil tested (shame). Also dropped lime in early season, but nothing since.

Ultimate goal is to have healthy stand of Bermuda, and hopefully the envy of the neighborhood. Only house on the street that isn't contracting out lawncare and I'm willing to put in the necessary work to improve health and appearance. Really want something I can be proud of.

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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: kg70041s Soil Test 2017

Post by andy10917 » July 28th, 2017, 9:21 pm

This is a challenging soil that doesn't hold nutrients. That's no surprise given the TEC of 3.47 (Yikes territory) - that's very, very sandy. The 1.4% OM level just piles on the complications.

Here's the situation: with a pH of 6.5, I'd leave the Calcium and Magnesium alone. The Potassium needs to go up and the pH has a bit of room. Both the P and K need supplementation. That means a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 or 19-19-19. Pick one and post the NPK for app rates and frequency.

The Iron number is terrible. Iron Sulfate or FAS treatments will help (see the article).

There are multiple micronutrient shortages. Do you want to deal with them this season?

kg70041
Posts: 30
Joined: May 2nd, 2017, 12:18 pm
Location: Fort Mill, SC
Grass Type: Bermuda Tif 419
Lawn Size: 5000-10000
Level: Experienced

Re: kg70041s Soil Test 2017

Post by kg70041 » August 1st, 2017, 10:27 am

First off, thanks for providing this service Andy (and ST6). It really is invaluable.

Our local farmers exchange has a 17-17-17 that I'll be using.

As for iron, I think applying some Milorganite will be the best option until our temperatures cool a little so I can do something foliar. Am I thinking along the right lines here? I'm not aware of anything granular other than Ironite or some of the moss killers. I'll have some molasses in the BLKH I'll be applying as well, I suppose every little bit counts.

In terms of the micros, I'm game to tackle them. If I'm applying the Milorganite I might as well piggyback on that and work on one (or more) of the micros.

Will be trying to source some leaves and other OM to mulch/spread to help boost that OM number as well.

kg70041
Posts: 30
Joined: May 2nd, 2017, 12:18 pm
Location: Fort Mill, SC
Grass Type: Bermuda Tif 419
Lawn Size: 5000-10000
Level: Experienced

Re: kg70041s Soil Test 2017

Post by kg70041 » August 13th, 2017, 8:13 pm

Picked up the 17-17-17 this afternoon. Am I correct in assuming 5-6 lb per K each month?

Should I wait 2 weeks or so to throw down the Milorganite? Might be a good opportunity to work on one or more of the micros.

Thank you again for your help!!

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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: kg70041s Soil Test 2017

Post by andy10917 » August 13th, 2017, 8:40 pm

The 17-17-17 goes down at around 6 lbs/K, monthly. Ease up a bit if you're going to hit it with Milorganite, or alternate (bag-rate) Milorganite and the 17-17-17 month-to-month.


kg70041
Posts: 30
Joined: May 2nd, 2017, 12:18 pm
Location: Fort Mill, SC
Grass Type: Bermuda Tif 419
Lawn Size: 5000-10000
Level: Experienced

Re: kg70041s Soil Test 2017

Post by kg70041 » August 13th, 2017, 9:22 pm

Thanks Andy!

Any sense in working in some of the micros? Or perhaps wait until green up in the spring?

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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: kg70041s Soil Test 2017

Post by andy10917 » August 13th, 2017, 9:40 pm

Sure! Plenty of time left...

In the micro’s, it’s Boron, Copper and Zinc. Get Twenty Mule Team Laundry Soap (grocery), 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.

kg70041
Posts: 30
Joined: May 2nd, 2017, 12:18 pm
Location: Fort Mill, SC
Grass Type: Bermuda Tif 419
Lawn Size: 5000-10000
Level: Experienced

Re: kg70041s Soil Test 2017

Post by kg70041 » October 18th, 2017, 9:38 am

Updating on progress...

Mid-August: Applied 17-17-17 @ 6#/k
Mid/Late-September: Applied Milo @ Bag rate w/ Boron-Copper-Zinc (3tbsp/K)

Have been applying BLSC and KH about every 3 weeks or so and have been seeing some improvements, especially in some more compacted areas. Screwdriver tests have been better than expected.

Was going to drop another round of 17-17-17 a week ago but the weather has been a bit schizo this month and I'm hesitant to pull the trigger.

Temps are cooling enough to apply foliar FAS now, but is it worth it prior to the Bermuda going dormant? I'm planning on mulching leaves once dormancy sets in, but wasn't sure if I could still hit it with FAS or Ferrous Sulfate.

I'm looking forward to getting a good jump on things in the spring, but am trying to get in what little I can.

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HoosierLawnGnome
Posts: 9591
Joined: May 22nd, 2013, 5:59 pm
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Grass Type: Blueberry KBG
Lawn Size: 1 acre-2 acre
Level: Advanced

Re: kg70041s Soil Test 2017

Post by HoosierLawnGnome » October 18th, 2017, 12:14 pm

You can still hit that turf with FAS. Great time of year to do it as it lasts longer!

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