The soil conditions, including pH levels, of your garden and lawn are one of the factors that determine how well the grass and garden plants grow. To determine your soil pH, you can have a soil test done by a lab or complete one at home. Soil with a pH of 7.0 is neutral. A lower number is acidic, a higher number means the soil is alkaline. For most plants, a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal. Some plants, like rhododendrons, prefer soil that is a little more acid while others, such as broccoli and cabbages, like slightly alkaline soil.
Correcting Acidic Soil
If you soil is too acidic, the most common way to raise the pH is by adding lime. The two main kinds of lime used on soil are dolomitic limestone and calcitic limestone. The first adds calcium and magnesium carbonate, and the second type adds calcium carbonate. Having a soil test done will let you know which minerals are missing, and which type of lime to add. Peletized forms of lime are the easiest to handle, and can be applied with the same lawn equipment used to broadcast fertilizers, but will not add magnesium to the soil.
Correcting Alkaline Soil
If your soil is too alkaline, it is more challenging to correct. The method you use to try and lower the soil pH depends on how high the pH is. The most aggressive method is to apply sulfur to the soil. A professional soil test will often recommend how much sulfur need be applied. If the area is planted, however, you may have to apply a smaller quantity at first.
Soil pH can also be lowered more gradually with acidic mulches, such as pine needles, pine bark and sphagnum peat moss. Peat moss can also be added directly to the soil.
Organic Soil Balance
One of the best ways to keep your soil balanced is by using compost as a fertilizer, soil amendment, or mulch. Finished compost has a neutral pH, and over time compost will naturally balance the pH of soil in your lawn or garden. If you soil is only slightly acidic or alkaline, using compost might be the only step you need to take. For soil that needs more dramatic adjustment with lime or sulfur, you can use compost to help maintain a balanced pH.
Maintaining the correct soil pH will keep your lawn and garden healthy by making sure soil nutrients are available to your plants. The proper pH will make nutrients easier for your plants to absorb and help maintain a healthy yard. If a soil test shows your soil needs adjusted, you can use lime to raise soil pH, sulfur to lower the pH, or compost maintain soil balance.
