Choosing a Soil Amendment:
Soil quality is one of the most important factors in growing and maintaining a healthy lawn. The Austin area has several different soil types, but all of them are clay-textured, low in organic matter, and somewhat alkaline. These characteristics cause the following problems in lawns:
• Clay absorbs and traps water for prolonged periods, causing pooling and drainage problems.
• Clay hardens and cracks when dry.
• Clay easily compacts, preventing oxygen and water from reaching roots.
• Roots find clay hard to penetrate, making it difficult for them to become established.
• Low organic matter makes grass more susceptible to disease, insects, and erosion.
• Alkaline soil prevents plants from absorbing essential nutrients such as iron and manganese.
Fortunately, poor soil can be improved using soil amendments…
