Acidic soil is a common issue in the Northeast US. The Northeast is characterized by a humid and rainy climate with dense forests which leads to soil that is naturally acidic.
Naturally acidic soil can cause problems for plants and crops that require neutral or alkaline soil. Grass, in particular, prefers a soil pH of 6.5-7 which happens to be very slightly acidic.
Causes of acidic soil in the Northeast:
What’s the main cause of the slightly acidic soil in the Northeast? The amount of annual rainfall is the leading factor. Rainfall tends to leach away the alkaline elements in soil like calcium, magnesium and potassium. Sandy soil is often the first type of soil to leach because water can move through it easily.
Other causes of acidic soil:
Overwatering lawn: overwatering your lawn can speed the process of important micronutrients leaching away.
Fertilizers with too much nitrogen: be careful to always read your labels and choose the right products for your location and climate.
Removing grass clippings. This can carry away significant amounts of calcium and magnesium that would otherwise be recycled.
Signs of acidic soil:
Yellowing leaves
Poor growth
High volume of moss and lichen growth which grow well in acidic soil
High volume of oak and pine trees which also thrive in acidic soil
Fungal diseases
Low pH levels
If you notice any of these signs, it may be a good idea to test the pH of your soil and take steps to correct the acidity if necessary.
How does lime help my lawn?
Adding lime into a lawn program is a common practice in Connecticut and the Northeast. Remember - Limestone is not a fertilizer, it’s a soil amendment. It is made from ground-up limestone rock and deposits calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate back into soil.
In addition to enhancing soil quality and nutrient availability, Lime can also boost the effectiveness of fertilization programs and promote better water absorption in lawns.
By conditioning the soil and raising calcium levels, Lime plays a crucial role in promoting cell wall division, which is vital for overall plant growth and development.