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Lawns are generally considered to be easy to care for. But the magnificent green does not always meet one's own requirements. Below you will learn more about soil improvement for the lawn.

In a nutshell

  • for a targeted improvement you should determine the type of soil
  • Depending on the soil structure, different soil improvement measures are suitable
  • Drainage and loosening can make the soil more permeable
  • popular means of optimizing the soil are sand, clay minerals, lawn fertilizer, lime or biochar

Determine soil type

In order to choose the ideal soil improvement measures for your lawn, you should first determine the soil. After all, sandy, loamy and clayey soils are widespread in our regions. 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: Soil is granular and crumbled
  • Clay soil: Ball holds and soil doesn't stick
  • Clay soil: sticky texture and shiny
clay soil

soil structure

Plant organisms, animal components and humus characterize the soil structure. At the same time there are minerals that arise from a parent rock in the earth. This has a significant influence on the type of soil. The floor structure is characterized by the cavities that determine the type of subsoil. At the same time, they influence the relationship between 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 the plants. With certain supplements, hobby gardeners can further improve the soil so that the composition is optimal for lawn growth.

drainage and loosening

Simple measures to improve the soil in your lawn are drainage and loosening. If water accumulates in the ground, this can negatively affect the lawn soil. So you should loosen the compacted soil again and again. If this is not possible, you should put in a drain. The water seeps through a layer of sand or gravel and flows out through the pipes.

Notice: If you do not have the confidence to lay a drainage system, landscape gardeners will be happy to help you.

A motor hoe can help to loosen the soil again.; Source: Ganix, Gasoline cultivator, edited from Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 3.0

improvement by plants

Plants are ideal for improving the soil for the lawn. Soil should never be unplanted. You can stimulate the soil with green manure plants. These plants root through the soil and release the nutrients. This is the best time to sow the lawn seeds. Basically, the following green manure plants are suitable:

  • peas
  • lupins
  • winter rye
  • alfalfa

Soil Improvement Guide

Anyone who deals with the topic of soil improvement comes across various possibilities. Below you will find a number of measures that improve the quality of the soil.

sand

One way to improve the soil for the lawn is to sand it. This measure ensures that the soil becomes more permeable. Preferably bring in the sand after scarifying in the spring. You should mow the sand first. Fine sand, sandy loam soil or quartz sand are all equally suitable for improving the soil.

Notice: Particularly hard clay soils tolerate further treatment with sand in autumn.

soil activator

Loose and hard soils can be supplied with a soil activator. This is a kind of rock flour that contains a concentrated humus. In addition, the lime it contains increases the pH value in the soil. This improves the soil structure. The introduction of the soil activator in connection with a lawn fertilizer is particularly recommended. This procedure is suitable for sandy and clay soils.

A spreader helps distribute the granules evenly.

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 value in the soil. However, hobby gardeners should not start liming. Rather, the previous test of the pH value is recommended. If clay soil is rich in humus, lime can loosen this soil.

bentonite

Bentonite is a natural mineral that retains water and nutrients. The powder or granules are suitable for sandy soil, which you then water. Soil improvement with bentonite is recommended every one to two years.

lawn fertilizer

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

Uneven distribution of the fertilizer can lead to over-fertilization of individual areas.

biochar

Biochar is a modern means of soil improvement in the garden. The carbon creates the basis for further build-up of humus. Spreading the biochar is a good way to improve the soil organically.

clay minerals

Clay is common in soils. This is a tiny mineral that stores nutrients and water. Sandy soils are ideal for using the clay minerals.

frequently asked Questions

How long does the reseeding take?

When rehabilitating the lawn, you can expect sprouting green much earlier. The existing grasses offer protection for the newcomers. The germinating grasses then grow in the shelter of the existing plants. You can use the lawn again after 6-8 weeks.

How do I get hummus?

Humus is crucial for a high-quality soil. Basically, you can buy ready-made humus and put it in the ground. Regularly checking pH, soil temperature and nutrient supply can all contribute to a beautiful lawn.

Does lawn selection matter?

Soil improvement measures help ensure that the lawn thrives. However, you can have a decisive influence on the quality of the lawn if you choose the right and resistant types of grass that suit the local conditions.

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Category:

Garden design