How do I lower the alkaline level in my lawn soil?

Question

My PH level is 8.0 which seems to be impossible to have grass grow...any ideas? Spots where level is high has all brown spots, while surronding areas have green grass

Answer 1

That's the highest pH I've ever seen in a yard - particularly in New Jersey, where the soil is typically acidic - in the mid 6's. Rutgers tends to recommend lime to farmers.

I would check with a local agricultural extension service. I find it suspicious that your soil would have such a high pH. Perhaps runoff from a local source? Perhaps a spring of some sort? Even in New Jersey, it could be possible you have some type of emerging limestone outcropping (although unlikely.) I mention this because all the soil treatment in the world won't help if the pH is abnormally high due to an outside source.

If it does prove to be naturally high, consider mulched pine-needles as one source. If nothing else, you can dump buckets of pine-needles on the yard and run the mower over them with the mulching blade. Composted manure helps too. Those will gently lower the pH, provide a buffer, and add organic matter to the soil to enrich it. If that isn't enough, consider a chemical solution.

But I would definitely investigate the cause of the alkalinity before you start spending money. That's fascinating...

Answer 2

Hi. I"m from singapore and soil here is the opposite; acidic.

Is there any grass which likes high pH ni your country? That might be one of a solution. =)

Well, another, to focused on your main question is that you could simply go to your local nursery and buy Sulphate powder or any substance which could lower the soil of pH and apply to your soil. From what i know, it's easy to lower the pH but never easy to increase the pH of one soil.

THis could be troublesome. YOu need to pour the bag into your soil and mix them. You cannot simply pour them.

CAUTION- please ask retailer how much to apply and where are the clear instructions on the bag.

Well, it may be troublesome but while mixing the soil, you could actually add in organic matter [Cocopeat, peat moss] into the soil which benefits the soil so much. And this could be my your 3rd solution.


1. Keeps the soil moisture high
2. Promotes microbial activity
3. Act as a fertilizer reservoir as it releases nitrogen into the soil when microbials breaks down the organic matter.
4. Promotes the CAT-ION exchange in soil.


Sir, sorry for such a lengthy answer. One thing you must know is that, this treatment of organic matter into the soil is qutie temperary because when they decompose, the amount decreases. Nevertheless, which the inclusion of decreasing pH agents, everything will be fine in future.


You just need to monitor the soil situation. SOil is very important. Take good care of the soil.


Lastly, read more about lowering pH of soil !!
PLease don't keep your soil too high in pH.


One reason why your grass patch turned brown, maybe, to me, i think it's due to many factors. But one of the factors to me is that, some of the micronutrients or macronutrients cannot be dissolve in such a high pH value. Hence, when these nutrients / fertilizers are not absorbed, plants are deprived. Another thing is that, these salts will accumulate and hence, making your soil more alkali !


That's all folks!! =)

Answer 3

A cheap way is to mow leaves into mulch and spread on the grass. Tree leaves make the soil more acidic. Iron sulfate is another good way to lower the pH of your soil and make the grass green too.

Most people have a problem of too low of pH in the soil. Any idea why your soil is high?

Answer 4

I have used 'granular soil sulphur' to make alkaline soil more acidic for blueberries. Ask for it at a nursery that sells organic soil amendments.

Ammonium sulphate fertilizer also will accomplish the same thing. Some gardeners use it to change the color of their hydrangea flowers.

Home-made compost also tends to be acidic, but commercial mushroom compost I hear often is alkaline because it is produced through chemical processing before the mushrooms are 'seeded.'

Answer 5

Hi,
I've used sulfur, gypsum, and aluminum sulfate to lower the pH in my yard, plus around my hydrangeas.
You can purchase the amendments at most garden centers, but I would like to suggest that you try to obtain these from an agricultural supply dealer, such as that sells to farmers that use these items in their fields.
You should get better prices, plus better amounts to suit your needs, plus advice on how to apply these.
Gypsum is rather cheap, it will not burn your yard, you may have to apply a few times, and it is also a "soil conditioner".
Plus it will also help neutralize, "doggie" spots ! It says on the bag !, and it does work !
Hope this helps, Have fun, Dave

Answer 6

Go to Lowes or Home Depot.they have the kits..Also, you can ck with your local County Extension Agent..that's a great place to get freebies, too!

Answer 7

Forget the lawn and install a rock garden.

Answer 8

sodium phosphate

Answer 9

MIRACID - LIKE A FERTILIZER