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Help Interpreting a Soil Test for Lawn

Posted on 5/9/14 at 11:33 am
Posted by CM Tiger83
Lafayette, LA
Member since Sep 2011
738 posts
Posted on 5/9/14 at 11:33 am
Every time I see someone ask for help on their lawn I see the response to get a soil test, well I did that now I still don't know me what to do. Can some one explain what product I need buy/fertilize with.

Report says (Centipede Grass)
PH 5.94 (optimum)
Phosphorus 7.59 (Very Low)
Potassium 157.07 (High)
Calcium 2,079 (Very High)
Magnesium 280.67 (Very High)
Sodium 34.96 (Optimum)
Sulfur 7.79 (Low)
Copper 1.91 (High)
Zinc 1.44 (Medium)

Recommendations:
Crop - Centipede
Form - Maintain
Nitrogen - See Sheet
Phosphate - 1.1
Potash - 0.6

And isn't potash just potassium which is already high, not sure why I would add more.
Posted by bootlegger
Ponchatoula
Member since Dec 2012
5335 posts
Posted on 5/9/14 at 11:46 am to
For centipede, I just use the soil test for the pH adjustments. As long as the pH is correct, and you don't put out more than 2lbs. of nitrogen per 1000sq.ft. per year, you should do well. If you want a darker green than is typical, put out some iron. There's a reason centipede is nicknamed "the lazy man's grass".
Posted by Nodust
Member since Aug 2010
22631 posts
Posted on 5/9/14 at 11:57 am to
quote:

PH 5.94 (optimum)

I would rather 6.0-6.5 but that's not bad. Maybe a little lime

quote:

And isn't potash just potassium which is already high, not sure why I would add more.

Yes it is. But it gets tied up by the high calcium you have.

quote:

Phosphate - 1.1
quote:

Potash - 0.6
This must be LBS/1000 sq/ft. Use a 8-24-12 or similar ratio.

The low PH makes the metals more useable by plants, but phosphorus and potassium less usable.
Posted by CM Tiger83
Lafayette, LA
Member since Sep 2011
738 posts
Posted on 5/9/14 at 12:08 pm to
quote:

quote:
Phosphate - 1.1
quote:
Potash - 0.6
This must be LBS/1000 sq/ft. Use a 8-24-12 or similar ratio.

The low PH makes the metals more useable by plants, but phosphorus and potassium less usable.


Thanks for the advice.

I used Scots bonus s southern in March (two mths prior to soil report), I am assume this would not affect your recommendation of using more nitrogen since the test is months after I applied? I thought centipede didn't like lots of nitrogen?
Posted by Nodust
Member since Aug 2010
22631 posts
Posted on 5/9/14 at 12:24 pm to
Nitrogen is just applied as needed. It affects how often you mow and color. Don't really need that much.

Slow release would be better because you won't get that flush of growth right after application. 3 pounds of nitrogen per 1000ft/sq per year during growing season would be good enough for a lawn. If the area gets more traffic a little extra nitrogen can give it a boost. I would spread nitrogen applications over a few times a year, maybe 4-5 times. Never put down more than 1 pound at a time.

Phosphorus stays in the soil, doesn't leach, and can't really hurt if too much is put down. Potassuim will leach out of the soil or be in a unavailable form to the roots. Feel free to put more of those two down than recommended.
Posted by Nodust
Member since Aug 2010
22631 posts
Posted on 5/9/14 at 12:31 pm to
You could go with a 0-3-2 ratio fertilizer. Then just use a soluble nitrogen once a month for color and get a little growth. The miracle grow that attaches to a water hose or you can get a siphon setup and apply through a sprinkler. Get some fertilizer out as you water.

I've used similar type and worked good.
Posted by CM Tiger83
Lafayette, LA
Member since Sep 2011
738 posts
Posted on 5/9/14 at 2:03 pm to
Any particular brand or product name you would recommend?
Posted by Nodust
Member since Aug 2010
22631 posts
Posted on 5/9/14 at 3:25 pm to
Not really. I think Scott's is a little overpriced for what you get. But for a one acre yard or less that may not be a big deal. For adding phosphorus and potassium any granular would work.
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