There are many factors in keeping turfgrass healthy and beautiful, and the one that lies just below the surface can often be overlooked: soil.
Soil health is integral to the health of any plants that grow within it and understanding soil type and how it contributes to turf health can make management practices. easier and more effective. The first step in maintaining soil health is understanding soil texture. Sand, silt and clay are soil texture types and this is what influences how water and air penetrate the soil and the availability of nutrients to the plant.
There are many ways to improve soil quality, and soil testing can reveal any problems or nutrient deficiencies and the corresponding treatments and practices to improve soil and turfgrass health. Soil testing reveals such information as soil pH, soil nutrient concentrations for elements such as phosphorous, potassium, iron, magnesium, and copper. Soil test results are key in determining fertilizer needs, and can prevent waste, unnecessary fertilization and establish more environmentally friendly practices.