Matt641 first soil test

[Matt641]

I just had my first soil test done by logan labs. It’s attached at the bottom of this thread.

I have about 7k sqft of crabgrass/weeds and just seeded it a few weeks ago with a blend of KBG and TTTF along with tenacity. There is a small section in the front that I believe is Bermuda. It’s dormant now but I’ve been told that’s what it is. I have a landscaper mow weekly during the season and water manually as needed. Trying the deep and infrequent system this year.

The soil seems depleted so I would like to do whatever is necessary to get it in shape to support healthy turf. I do plan to tackle any micros that are needed.

I’ll post a link in the queue momentarily. Thank you in advance for the help!

[andy10917]

Yeah, that's kind of evenly lacking in nutrients, across the board...

A TEC of around 4 indicates a very sandy soil that may have some difficulty in holding nutrients. An OM% around 2.5 is poor and doesn't help the situation. Real attention to adding OM through mulched leaves, compost and peat moss is needed to avoid losing the nutrients you will need to add. Lots, and forever.

The cations are all short, and that's what's driving the pH to 6.2 (somewhat low). Get good calcitic lime (Encap/Mag-I-Cal/SoluCal) and apply 9 lbs/K and 2 lbs/K of Epsom Salts (total app rate = 11 lbs/K) every 90 days. Do not apply fertilizer within 2 weeks of Lime.

Also get a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 or 19-19-19 and apply monthly. Pick it and post the NPK for the rate. That will handle all the Potassium, Phosphorus and Nitrogen needs.

Iron is also low. At your pH, you can use Ferrous Sulfate at 2-3 lbs/K every 60 days. Again, keep it away from the Lime.

In the micro's, Boron and Manganese need work. Get Twenty Mule Team laundry soap from the grocery and Manganese Sulfate from EBAY or Amazon. Apply each at three tablespoons/K every 60 days, as outlined in the Micronutrient Application Guide.

Now is the time to strike to prevent crabgrass, but that's not a soil issue - see/post separately.

[Matt641]

Thank you for the quick reply Andy! I had a feeling this was going to be a challenging soil. I made my first move against crabgrass so let’s hope for the best.

I’m trying to source a good balanced fertilizer now and will let you know what I find. Seems like the Walmart’s in Suffolk county don’t carry the same 10-10-10 that they do everywhere else. I’ll check some turf suppliers tomorrow and see what they have.

I’m trying to work the budget now. Am I okay if I only put down a little over 7lbs/k of calcitic lime with 2lbs Epsom salts every 90 days? Total app would be 9lbs/k. It would be easier to use a full 50lb bag over the 7k sqft of grass.

Does this look like the right manganese sulfate? https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre ... 3144676362

[andy10917]

That's an OK Manganese Sulfate

[Matt641]

Thank you. What about the 7lbs/k of calcitic lime instead of 9lbs/k? Will I need to reduce the amount of Epsom salt to keep the proper ratio? Or should I just stick with the 9lbs? It would be easier on the budget to just spread a whole 50lb bag of lime over the 7k sqft.

[Matt641]

Nevermind I think I’m finding best prices on encap. Bjs has 40lbs at $14.99. I should be able to fit the full rate into the budget.

[Matt641]

I dropped 9lbs/k of encap lime and 2lbs/k of Epsom salts yesterday. Next drop will be in July. This is my first time dealing with lime. Is it safe to drop in July assuming the grass is not drought stressed? Or would it be better to wait until Labor Day and try to squeeze a third app before the ground freezes?

Also went to Walmart and picked up some 10-10-10. Wish it had sulfate of potash instead of Muriate of potash though.

[andy10917]

You can apply Lime in July as long as conditions are not extreme.

About the Muriate of Potash - it's not perfect but you're just starting - we'll keep costs reasonable for the early going, and graduate you to the better stuff as progress gets made. You're fine...

[Matt641]

Great thank you Andy!

[Matt641]

I just found a good deal on encap lime. Is it worth it for me to pick them up now for next season before I see the results from my second soil test? I know we won’t know for sure until then but is this typically a multi year battle on sandy soil like mine?

I’ll have gotten 3 lime apps at 9lbs/k each (with Epsom salts) down by the end of the season. I can pickup enough to get me through next year now if it’ll save me a few dollars. My gut is saying yes.

[andy10917]

Your gut is right.

[Matt641]

Good call Andy. Multi year battle it is. Thanks.