I've been asked to quote a lawn repair job. Basically mow it very short and put a crap-ton of lime down to get soil pH up to help grass out-compete weeds in poor soil.

In order to estimate the amount of lime needed, I need to know the current pH, and I need to know it PDQ before the weather goes to hell. Hence the questions:

1. Meter or Kit?

2. Recommended brand/source for either one.

Do you have a county extension office?

The one here will do a soil test for you at no charge.

Reminds me, I need to do that...

quote:

Originally posted by HRK:
Do you have a county extension office?

The one here will do a soil test for you at no charge.

Reminds me, I need to do that...

True, but I need it quicker than that.

I've bought kits from Lowes that are sort of a test tube that you add a capsule to and it will give you basic ideas of what your PH/Phosphorus/Nitrogen/Potassium.

You have to take a soil sample then dry it then mix with water and the capsule then there is a color card that you compare the solution to.

Do you KNOW it's PH that is the issue here? I think people dump a lot of lime and have no idea if they even really need it.

I'm sure this doesn't approach a real, professional level testing but it can give you an idea.

Soil Test Kit

quote:

Originally posted by PASig:

Do you KNOW it's PH that is the issue here? I think people dump a lot of lime and have no idea if they even really need it.

The customer had an "expert" look at the situation after I did the initial cleanup, regrading and seeding. The seeding failed due to massive weed infestation.

The recommendation for "lots of lime" came from this alleged "expert".

One reason I want to do my own pH test.

Are there pine trees around? They're notorious for being acidic to soil. If it's never been limed, I suspect it needs it, but yes, how much?

https://www.bakerlime.com/how-much-lime-apply/

https://scotts.com/en-us/lawn-...me-to-your-soil.html

Probably nothing you don't already know.

I had a 12 acre field in row crop rotation that didn’t preform very well. The county agent did a soil test and we discussed it… when it came to Lime He just said “As much as you can afford” LOL! Sadly he knew the area and was only half kidding!

Your agent will be able to make an educated guess for you. Even the bagged lime usually has a recommended rate.

Ours also has a detailed soil type map to guide them… looks like a topo map.

It is important how you take the soil sample. The county agent turn around time here is one day.