How To Improve Lawn Soil

Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 08:34 pm

Lawns are generally considered to be low-maintenance. However, the magnificent green does not always meet one’s own requirements. In the following, you will learn more about soil improvement for the lawn.

• for a targeted improvement you should determine the soil type
• depending on the soil structure, different measures are suitable for soil improvement
• drainage and loosening can provide for a higher permeability of the soil
• popular means for optimizing the soil are sand, clay minerals, lawn fertilizer, lime or plant charcoal

Determine soil type

To choose the ideal measures of soil improvement for their lawn, you should first determine the soil. After all, sandy, loamy and clay soils are widespread in our climes. With a simple test, you can check what type of soil it is. To do this, take soil in your hand and try to form a ball:

• Sandy soil: earth is grainy and crumbles.
• Clay soil: ball holds and soil does not stick
• Clay soil: sticky texture and shiny

Soil structure

Plant organisms, animal components and humus shape the soil structure. At the same time, there are minerals that originate from a parent rock in the soil. This has a significant influence on the soil type. The soil structure is characterized by the cavities, which determine the type of subsoil. At the same time, these influence the ratio of air and water.

Composition of the soil

A good garden soil should consist of a successful mixture of different components. Water and air play an elementary role. At the same time, the garden soil should provide various nutrients so that the plants thrive. A mixture of sand, clay, humus and loam is considered beneficial for plants. With certain additives, amateur gardeners can further improve the soil so that the composition is optimal for lawn growth.

Drainage and loosening
Simple soil improvement measures for their lawns include drainage and loosening. If water accumulates in the soil, it can negatively affect the lawn soil. Thus, you should always loosen the compacted soil. If this is not possible, you should create a drainage system. The water will seep through a layer of sand or gravel and drain away through the pipes.

Note: If you don’t feel confident installing a drainage system, landscapers will be happy to help.

Improvement through plants
Plants are ideal for improving the soil for the lawn. Soil should not be unplanted at any time. You can stimulate the soil with green manure plants. These plants root through the soil and release the nutrients. Following this, it is the best time to sow the lawn seeds. Basically, the following green manure plants are suitable:

• Peas
• Lupines
• Winter rye
• Alfalfa

Instructions for soil improvement

Anyone who deals with the subject of soil improvement will come across various options. Below are a number of measures that will increase the quality of the soil.

Sand

One way of soil improvement for the lawn is sanding the same. This measure ensures that the soil becomes more permeable. Preferably, you apply the sand after scarifying in the spring. Before that you should mow the sand. Fine sand, sandy loam soil or quartz sand are all equally suitable for improving the soil.

Note: Particularly hard clay soils tolerate further treatment with sand in the fall.

Soil activator

A soil activator can be used to care for loose and hard soils. This is a type of stone meal that contains concentrated humus. In addition, the lime it contains causes an increase in the pH value of the soil. This improves the soil structure. It is especially recommended to apply the soil activator in combination with a lawn fertilizer. This procedure is suitable for sandy and clay soils.

Plant organisms, animal components and humus shape the soil structure. At the same time, there are minerals that originate from a parent rock in the soil. This has a significant influence on the soil type. The soil structure is characterized by the cavities, which determine the type of subsoil. At the same time, these influence the ratio of air and water.

Composition of the soil

A good garden soil should consist of a successful mixture of different components. Water and air play an elementary role. At the same time, the garden soil should provide various nutrients so that the plants thrive. A mixture of sand, clay, humus and loam is considered beneficial for plants. With certain additives, amateur gardeners can further improve the soil so that the composition is optimal for lawn growth.

Drainage and loosening

Simple soil improvement measures for their lawns include drainage and loosening. If water accumulates in the soil, it can negatively affect the lawn soil. Thus, you should always loosen the compacted soil. If this is not possible, you should create a drainage system. The water will seep through a layer of sand or gravel and drain away through the pipes.

Note: If you don’t feel confident installing a drainage system, landscapers will be happy to help.

Tip: The longer the lawn has not been fertilized, the more frequently you should apply the soil activator.

Lime

Lime is ideal for raising the pH level in the soil. However, amateur gardeners should not lime on the fly. Rather, it is advisable to test the pH value beforehand. If clay soil is rich in humus, lime can loosen this soil.

Bentonite

Betonite is a natural mineral that stores water and nutrients. The powder or granules are suitable for sandy soils, which you water in the following. Soil improvement with betonite is recommended every one to two years.

Lawn fertilizer

Lawn fertilizer is another agent that helps improve soil structure. Lawn and soil get all the important nutrients. At the same time, high-quality agents have an effect of up to six months. The first fertilization should be done in the spring, when the soil is slowly getting warmer.

Vegetable carbon

Plant carbon is a modern means of soil improvement in the garden. The carbon creates the basis for further buildup of humus. Spreading the plant charcoal is well suited to improve the soil in an organic way.

Clay minerals

Clay is commonly found in soils. This is a tiny mineral that stores nutrients and water. Sandy soils are ideal for the use of clay minerals.

Frequently asked questions