David M. Kopec, Extension Turfgrass Specialist
The soil component of the turf system is critical in determining the
capacity
for turfgrass growth. The soil system determines in part the water holding
properties, and the mineral nutrition of the turfgrass community. The analysis
of soil for turfgrass fertility management is the topic addressed below.
Fertility measurements of soils for turfgrass nutrition is relatively easy to understand. Soil analysis tests are valuable in showing the superintendent extremes in soil conditions. These extremes include above normal amounts of mineral elements, or very low amounts of specific elements, some of which show up as characteristic or classical nutrient deficiencies in turf.
A Look at Soils and the Nature of Soil Fertility
The size of soil particles and the relative distribution of all the
soil particles affects soil fertility. Soil particles include sands, clays,
silts, and organic matter. Soil particles can be imagined as having 'arms'
which stick out of the soil particles. The more 'arms' that stick out,
the more nutrients the soil particles can hold. Small soil particles such
as clay and organic matter have a very high surface area, and many 'arms'
to hold mineral elements. These 'arms' are negatively charged, and hold
mineral elements which are positively charged. These positive charged minerals
are called cations, and the capacity of a soil to hold cations is called
the Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC). The higher the CEC, the higher the
soils capacity to hold nutrients. Examples of cations include Sodium (Na+),
Calcium (Ca++), Magnesium (Mg++), Potassium (K+)
and Ammonium (NH+). Soils with low CEC potentials (sands)
generally need fertilization at regular intervals with light application
rates. This is so because the mineral elements from fertilizers added are
not capable of being stored for long periods of time, and you do not want
to wash away the fertilizers you apply. The mineral elements we are most
concerned about appear on a standard soil fertility test. These include
the elements of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P), Potassium (K), Magnesium
(Mg), Calcium (Ca) and Sodium (Na). Other items on a soils test include
soil pH, soil salt levels (EC of electro-conductivity) and the amount of
sodium relative to the amount of all the cations attached to the soil 'arms'.
This is called the Exchangeable Sodium Percentage (ESP).
For general purposes, the relative range of cation exchange capacities for soils are as follows;
Sand = 1-6 Meq/100 gm.
Sand green = 1-14 "
Clay = 80-120 "
Clay loam soil = 25-30 "
Organic matter = 150-500 "
You can see why a clay loam soil or a garden rich in organic compost
grows much better
plants than a sand ! Taking soil samples on turf requires that you
follow a few rules. Sampling depths for golf courses and lawns should have
samples taken to 3-4 inches BELOW THE THATCH LAYER. Almost 90% of the roots
occur here (especially on cool season grasses) and that's where the action
is for general testing of soils.
How to Take Soil Samples for a Soils Test
1). Use a soil probe or auger and penetrate to 3-4 inches. Remove any
thatch and grass tissue.
2) Remove the soil from the probe.
3) Place the soil in a clean plastic bucket/pail.
4) Take at least 6-8 samples, repeating steps 1-3.
5) Mix all 6-8 samples together in the pail.
6) Put about 1 lb. (or 1 pint) of the mixed soil in a labeled soil
bag.
7) Do not dry the soil in an oven - let it air dry if necessary.
8) Send to the soils lab for testing.
9) State the type of test you desire.
A standard test normally includes test for:
*nitrogen
*phosphorous
*potassium
*calcium
*magnesium
*pH
*salt levels (electro-conductivity or EC)
*pH correction amendments
(limestone - to raise pH)
(sulphur - to lower pH)
Interpretation and Results of Soil Tests
Mineral concentrations of elements in soils provide guidelines for soil
fertility programs in general. They are not conclusive or completely interpretive
for a prescription fertilization program. Minerals present in soils are
almost always "naturally conserved", that is they are stored in soil and
released slowly over time. Most soil test interpretations take this into
consideration. Typical interpretations for western soils include the following
level/nutrient classes.
NITROGEN SOIL-TEST
Nitrate (NO3 -N-) Rating
0-5 ppm low
5-20 ppm medium
20-40 ppm high
above 40 ppm very high
Other tests may include total nitrogen, or may provide a value for total nitrogen only. Total nitrogen includes other forms of soil nitrogen, much of which is not readily available to turfgrass plants.
PHOSPHOROUS-SOIL TEST
Co2 Extract Method Bicarb Extract Method Rating
0-3 ppm 0-10 ppm low
3-6 ppm 10-20 ppm medium
6-10 ppm 20-40 ppm high
above 10 ppm above 40 ppm very high
POTASSIUM-SOILS TEST
K-Level Rating
0-40 ppm very low
40-175 ppm low
175-250 ppm adequate
over 250 ppm high
Iron is generally abundant in mineral soils, but if free lime (calcium
carbonate) is 'high' on the soils report, and iron deficiency may develop
on turf. Iron deficiencies on turf appear as a yellow discoloration of
the youngest leaf (furthest away from the ground), progressing from the
tip downwards. this repeats on each successive younger leaf. A soil test
value of 5 ppm or lower (DTPA extraction) may indicate iron availability
problems for turf.
pH Adjustments
In our western soils, pH concentration's are almost always above neutral
7.0. Soil pH values of 7.5 to 8.5 are not uncommon. Soil tests for turf
often include an interpretation which includes a sulphur requirement to
help lower the pH. The sulphur counteracts the chemical reaction of the
'free lime content' (limestone) in the soils, which is a major contribution
to high soil pH.
Free Lime Content Sulphur Requirement lbs./1000 ft2
very high 10% 1500
high 5-10% 750-1500
medium 1-5% 150-750
low 0-1% 0-150
You can see from the amount of sulphur required to change the pH of
our western calcareous mineral soils is phenomenal! You will burn and most
likely kill your turf if you apply more than 15 lbs. of sulphur/1000 ft2.
Three applications per year at 1.0 lb. of sulphur/1000 ft2 is
about all you can do. If a new construction site is being planned, then
higher rates can be incorporated by disking, plowing, and ripping.
Gypsum
Gypsum is calcium sulphate. It is essentially a neutral salt and DOES NOT
reduce soil pH. the proper use of gypsum is to correct a sodic (high sodium)
soil problem over time. The calcium in the gypsum replaces the sodium from
the "soil arm", and the sodium combines with the sulphate (sodium-sulphate)
which must be then washed (leached) away. Soil tests which show a soil
ESP value of 15% or more requires a gypsum treatment program.
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, James A. Christenson, Director, Cooperative Extension, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, The University of Arizona. The University of Arizona is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation in its programs and activities.