Content
- Find out what the lawn lacks by analyzing the soil
- The most important methods for soil analysis
- Which pointer plants grow on the ground?
- Measure the acidity of the soil
- Analyze the soil sample in the laboratory
- Tips & Tricks
Find out what the lawn lacks by analyzing the soil
If the lawn does not grow properly, there may be several causes. The most common turf problems are caused by the soil. It contains too little or too much of certain substances. A soil analysis shows what the lawn is suffering from.
The most important methods for soil analysis
Which pointer plants grow on the ground?
Pointer plants are those plants that grow particularly well on certain soils. Thus, frequent occurrence of stinging nettles shows that the soil is very nitrogen-rich. Wild, vigilant dandelion thrives on lean soils with high lime content. Field clover indicates a nitrogen deficiency, while plantain on compacted soil is common.
Just by observing many problems can be solved. The supply of nitrogen, humus or loosening and drainage of the soil ensure that the bottom of the lawn is significantly improved.
Measure the acidity of the soil
To find out if the soil is too acidic for turf, you can use a special pH meter, which you can borrow from the garden retailer.
Also the company Neudorff offers a ph soil test, where small soil samples are given in special solutions. The ph value can then be easily read.
The frequently offered chopsticks for checking work rather unreliable. This also applies to home remedies such as baking soda and vinegar, which are used by some hobby gardeners.
Analyze the soil sample in the laboratory
If you want to know exactly what is missing from the soil or what is too much, take a soil sample at a depth of about ten centimeters and place in a clean plastic bag.
The tightly sealed bag will be sent to a soil laboratory, which will take an exam. The cost of the test is between ten and 50 euros. It's worth the expense because after a few days you'll know exactly what's causing the turf problems.
Together with the laboratory results, you will receive a recommendation as to which fertilizer compensates for the identified deficiencies.
Tips & Tricks
When you mow the lawn, use a mulching mower. Then you can just leave the cut, small-chopped grass. It decomposes, loosens and provides the lawn with important nutrients.