Healthy soil is full of beneficial microorganisms, including fungi and bacteria. All of this goes a long way in helping your plants and turf digest the proper nutrients they need to thrive. These microorganisms also help protect a lawn against disease and pests.
Importance Of Soil Health
Many homeowners make the mistake of only focusing on the appearance and health of their turf rather than the soil beneath it. However, it is essential to remember that a healthy lawn depends on the health of the soil.
In addition to the microorganisms we have already mentioned, a healthy lawn also has protozoa, mites, and microarthropods. There can be more than 50,000 species of these creatures in a teaspoon of soil. All of these living organisms come together to create the best and most ideal growing conditions for your lawn.
Improving Soil Health
The natural biology of your lawn is important, so you want to focus on finding ways to introduce beneficial microbiological organisms into the soil for a healthy turf.
Fertilization
When finding the best management practices for your lawn, you want to follow Florida-friendly landscaping principles. When fertilizing, make sure you select the right fertilizer and apply it during the right time of the year. Doing so results in the best benefits for your turf.
During the growing season, for example, your soil will require nutrients to stay healthy and thrive. Conducting a soil test is a good way to determine what kind of nutrients your soil needs so you can make a more informed decision and ensure healthy soil for a healthy turf throughout the year.
Mow High, Water Deep
Instead of cutting the grass down short, it should be mowed high. When you have longer grass, light is naturally blocked out, which encourages a more drought-resistant root system. You should also get into the practice of keeping the lawn clippings in place because they act as food for the soil.
Your turf only needs approximately one inch of water per week. If you find that your soil is hard and compacted, you will need to aerate it to improve water retention and drainage and ensure that it becomes healthier.
Avoid Pesticides If You Can
When you have pests and weeds in your yard, you may think that the fastest way to kill them is by using pesticides. However, doing so can cause problems. Instead, get rid of them more naturally. This will leave the soil healthy and intact and encourage longer and stronger root development.
Condition The Soil
Conditioning the soil is the key to its health. Adding nutrients from compost can be beneficial in building healthy soil. The compost doesn’t always contain enough nutrients on its own to sufficiently feed the soil, so you may need to include organic additives or choose to supplement natural fertilizer applications.
Soil Needs To Breathe
Finally, you need to remember that the soil needs to breathe. Ensuring this helps promote proper growth and allows the proper gasses to be released into the soil. It allows for better water absorption and movement of all the nutrients in the soil. All of this comes together to create healthy soil that results in a healthy turf.
When you choose environmentally friendly approaches to lawn care and maintenance, you can reduce your maintenance costs, protect our natural resources, and ensure that your turf and soil stay as healthy as possible even in the warmest climates.
Read More: Responsible Landscape Pest Control Methods