Soil Test, Analysis and Preparation
Analyzing your soil
All lawns start with soil so we like to make sure that the soil meets our standards before planting on our properties. There are a few things to consider: Not all soil is created equal. Therefore, a complete soil analysis must be done to have a thorough understanding of what must be done to have the richest land around. Before anything is done at home, send in a sample to be analyzed for the proper nutrients, acidity and lime requirements. This can be done by gathering six inches of soil from at least ten different locations in the area to be planted and then mixing them together. Take one pint of the soil and submit it to the Florida Extension Soil Testing Laboratory in your area to be analyzed. While waiting on the test, it is time to check the condition of the soil. The Conditions:
Now that we have sent off our soil sample, we should look at the condition of the land and what adjustments should be made to it. Some of the corrections that may need to be done involve the addition of soil amendments, and tilling and grading. |
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Soil Compaction
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A likely condition you may run into in South Florida is soil compaction. This is most common in residential areas where there is high vehicle traffic due to construction. The soil becomes tight and the pore space reduces in size. This causes the soil to carry insufficient amounts of water and does not allow it to travel through the soil. This will limit the size and health of the root system and can cause future problems for your landscape. While grading the soil, one can test for this by driving a large screw driver or metal rod into the soil. The rod should reach at least 6 inches deep. If you have a hard time getting through the soil then so will the root system of the plants and you likely have compaction. This can be corrected by rototilling to loosen up the soil up to 6 to 8 inches. This should also be done if there is an organic soil amendment added.
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Soil AmendmentsIn Florida, it is very likely that the soil is more sand-based. This can be troublesome because there is likely little water and nutrient holding capabilities and low organic matter. To get around this, it may be necessary for a soil amendment. Both organic and inorganic soil amendments can be added to improve the quality of soil for your landscape. Organic amendments can improve all properties while inorganic will have minimum improvements to nutrient-holding capabilities. Generally, 3-6 cubic yards of organic material for every 1000 square feet of soil should be applied while inorganic material is mixed in at 4.5 – 6.5 cubic yards for every 1000 feet. Ensure that all organic soil amendments have been fully composted or sterilized to prevent weed seed from entering your soil. Also, it is important to note that any organic material with a C:N ratio > 30 should be used as a top layer to soil and not mixed in with the soil. Any material with a C:N ratio > 30 may cause the nitrogen to be unavailable to your lawn. The last step to ensure a healthy soil in preparation for a new lawn is to fully grade the soil.
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Grading and Tilling
A final grading allows for a smooth surface to place the grass. This can be done by using a hand rake or a drag such as those pulled behind four-wheelers. Give the ground a thorough grading to level out the land and use the cement around it as a guide for the height. The ground should be the same height or slightly lower than any walk or driveways. Something else to keep in mind is the drainage. For proper drainage, it is recommended the soil be sloped away from the house at a rate of 2% or 6 inches every 50 ft. If the incline is greater than 10%, sodding is recommended to prevent erosion. Flaky or dry dirt can be graded after wetting it slightly
All this work will give you an attractive property that is easy to mow and maintain.
All this work will give you an attractive property that is easy to mow and maintain.
