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Alkaline soil #867670

Asked May 08, 2024, 9:16 PM EDT

Our yard has loam and clay, and has a pH in the 7.2-7.4 range (measured at your soil lab: organic matter 7.2-7.4; P~20; K~95-115; soil texture medium). We have fairly weak grass. Not thick, Lots of dead spots after winter. We have a lot of violets. We are trying to lower the pH of the soil somewhat. I read the online stuff. Sounds hard to drop pH with with lots of clay? No mention of gypsum, and where it was discussed it said the sulfur is bonded so it won't affect pH. Suggestions?

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thanks for your question.  It has been assigned to me.  I will try to give you my best answer but need the following information:

1).  A picture of the soil report that you received.  Only need the front page.

2).  Also send me one or two pics of the "dead spots" in your yard.

3).  With respect to these "dead spots", have you noticed them in the past in these same areas?  Of relatedly, do these "dead spots" appear every spring but in different place?

4).  If you have seen these "dead spots" in past spring, do they persist throughout the summer or do they eventually green up?

5).  In the past have you ever tried to lower the pH and if so, how did you try to do this.

Looking forward to your responses.  Thanks for using our forum.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 11, 2024, 6:24 PM EDT

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