Creating a beautiful lawn starts with creating an active soil. Synthetic fertilizers containing chemicals, pesticides, high quantities of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and little micronutrients, promote an inactive, dead soil. Applying high amounts of fertilizers and pesticides can kill beneficial microorganisms, earthworms, and bacteria that create a healthy soil and speed the decomposition and breakdown of natural fertilizers, such as compost or grass clippings.
An active soil starts with an environment where microorganisms, bacteria, and earthworms can thrive healthfully. Natural fertilizers, such as compost, poultry manure, fish emulsion, bone/blood meal, slowly release nutrients into the soil over time, reducing the frequency of applications.
Many lawn problems are not created by a lack of soil nutrients but by a lack of knowledge about soil properties, shallow watering, compacting soil, over fertilizing, and mowing grass shorter than the tallest recommended height. There are many things you can do to minimize the dependence on fertilizers in our community.
- Don't guess, get a soil test -
- To find out exactly what amendments your soil needs, if anything, and get a soil test. Available at the UNL Soil and Plant Analytical Lab for $15.
- Water deeply, but infrequently -
- Depending on the grass species on your property, the lawn may be able to go dormant during hotter, drier months. If your lawn cannot go dormant, water deeply but infrequently. Grass roots can become stronger and longer and better able to utilize water during hot, dry periods.
- Follow the 1/3 rule -
- Never cut off more than 1/3 of the grass length at a time and mow to the highest recommended height, around 3 inches. Keeping grass taller will protect the soil surface from drying and shade out sun-loving weed species.
- Grasscycle -
- By simply returning your grass clippings to the lawn after mowing, you decrease your fertilizing needs by 25%.
- Compost -
- Make your own organic compost with leaves, wood chips, and grass clippings. After decomposition, return this mix to your lawn for a natural fertilizer. The City of Lincoln offers their own compost, LinGro
, to residents for a nominal fee. - Use No Phosphorus Fertilizer -
- Soils in Eastern Nebraska contain enough phosphorus for healthy plant growth. Unless a soil test indicates a direct need for phosphorus, don't use it. According to soil tests conducted within the Holmes Lake Watershed in 2003, soils needed only 1 to 1.5 pounds of nitrogen per application.
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