Not only fertilizer allows the lawn to grow really nicely and gives it a rich green colour. The nature of the soil also plays a role. Over time, however, he needs help himself. A soil activator for lawns can help

In a nutshell

  • Soil activator for lawns is not just a fertiliser
  • Use is intended to increase soil structure and soil fertility
  • Can be used together with lawn fertilizer
  • optimal time of application in spring and autumn
  • simply spread over the lawn with a spreader and water well

Definition soil activator

With a soil activator for lawns, the thought can easily arise that it is a kind of fertilizer. It is not a fertilizer in the traditional sense. By definition, a soil activator is a soil additive with a very low fertilizing power. The use should result in an improvement in soil quality and provide food for the plants in the long term. For this purpose, biological processes in the soil are improved and accelerated and at the same time the proliferation of microorganisms living in the soil is stimulated. In other words, using a soil activator brings the following benefits:

  • Activation of soil life
  • through resettlement and multiplication of microorganisms
  • improvement of the soil structure
  • Increase in soil fertility
  • optimal binding and release of nutrients
  • Protection against dehydration
  • Creation of the biological balance in the soil
  • Formation of new humus
If the soil structure is no longer right, fertilizer will no longer help to keep the lawn healthy. A soil activator helps.

However, the use of a soil activator alone is not enough to keep the soil fertility at a high level in the long term, additional doses of organic materials such as compost or horn shavings/horn meal are necessary.

Notice: A soil activator differs from a conventional fertilizer in that it does not supply the plants with nutrients like fertilizers, but improves the soil properties. In the long term, the use of a soil activator also has a positive effect on plant growth.

composition and effect

A soil activator for lawns contains various ingredients. The composition can vary with the different providers. Mainly included are:

  • organic matter as a source of carbon and energy for soil organisms
  • Main and trace elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium as food for soil organisms, building proteins and strengthening cell tissue
  • Lime to raise the pH for better growth of microorganisms in the soil
  • Clay minerals such as bentonite to form clay-humus complexes for water storage
  • dormant microorganisms to repopulate the soil and stimulate soil activity

Soil activator for lawns comes in granular form. This ensures good dosing and application. The soil additive for lawns takes effect just a few days after application. The microorganisms living in the soil decompose the organic material and produce humus from it. This allows the nutrients contained in it to be released. The rest is then stored by the soil organisms as permanent humus in the form of a clay-humus complex. This keeps the soil nice and airy over time.

Notice: However, a soil activator for lawns is not sufficient in the long term. In addition, the lawn should be mulched with grass clippings. The application of mature compost or regular sanding with coarse-grained sand (grain size 0.5 to 2.0 mm) also supports the effect of the activator.

When to apply?

Lawn is an absolute monoculture. The floor is heavily used and after a certain time it tires. The remedy is then not created by fertilizing the lawn, as this only supplies the lawn plants with nutrients. The floor continues to be claimed. Under the lawn, it is no longer vital and healthy enough to ensure good growth. In addition, important nutrients are removed from the soil with each mowing. He can then show the following symptoms:

  • heavily compressed, very hard
  • light spots
  • Lawn roots are difficult to root through
  • rapid dehydration
  • stunted lawn growth
  • rapid matting of the turf
  • Microorganisms cannot break down dead material fast enough
  • rapid spread of fungi, moss and wild weeds

Now not only the lawn plants need nutrients in the form of fertilizer, but the lawn needs a soil activator.

Notice: A soil activator poses no danger to humans or animals. The lawn can be walked on again immediately after application and good watering.

dosage and timing

A soil activator for lawns can be applied before a new lawn is laid and, of course, for existing areas to regenerate and also to maintain the soil. One to two applications per year are recommended. The activator can normally be used all year round. However, the best time is in spring in March/April and in autumn in September/October. The soil activator can be dosed well due to its granulate form. Attached are:

  • For new plants, work 100 to 200 g/m² into the top layer of soil and water
  • for existing lawns, 100 to 200 g/m² in spring and autumn

"Over-fertilization" or rapid leaching into the groundwater is not possible because the materials are organic. However, the manufacturer's instructions on the packaging should still be taken into account. If the lawn looks healthy, one application per year is sufficient. However, you must fertilize the lawn three times a year as usual.

Deployment Instructions

It can be spread using a spreader, but also by hand. The soil activator works best when the lawn is freshly mowed and scarified. If you follow the instructions below, the floor additive can start working after just a few days:

A spreader helps distribute the granules evenly.
  • Mow the lawn deep first
  • then carefully scarify the lawn lengthwise and crosswise
  • Carefully rake off the combed-out lawn thatch
  • Distribute soil activator granules evenly over the surface
  • rake in easily
  • then water extensively
  • Don't mow the lawn for at least a week
  • Otherwise the mower will pull the granulate out of the lawn again

Extensive watering flushes the granules between the blades of grass. Gradually it dissolves and is sludged into the ground. The conversion and decomposition processes can then be initiated there. On very hot and dry days, it is advisable to water the lawn again the following day until no more granulate can be seen.

Tip: It is also possible to mix the soil activator with organic lawn fertilizer and apply both to the lawn together.

frequently asked Questions

Are there alternatives to a soil activator in the lawn?

Yes. Even the use of mulching mowers such as a robotic lawn mower or hand spindle mower can replace the use of a soil activator. The grass is finely chopped and the clippings land back between the blades of grass. This ensures a permanent supply of organic material, which serves as food for the microorganisms in the soil. Applying a thin layer of mature compost regularly can also help.

Does the lawn need to be scarified before spreading?

Not necessarily. The soil activator can also be spread directly on the freshly mown lawn and gently raked in and then watered. However, if the lawn is heavily matted, scarifying beforehand is recommended to remove moss and thatch. Otherwise the effect of the soil activator would not be really efficient.

Are there differences in soil activators for lawns?

Basically the composition is the same, provided it is a quality soil activator for lawns from well-known manufacturers. In the case of no-name products, it may well be that the mixture mainly contains only sand. When buying, attention should be paid to quality, even if it is a bit more expensive.

Category:

Garden design