The Effects of Lime on Grass Production

pH Balance of Soil

• In order for grass to grow, the soil's pH levels must be balanced. The scale for pH is measured from one through 14. If the soil's pH is significantly less than a neutral 7.0, it may be too acidic for grass to grow. To find out if your soil is "sour" --- or too acidic --- for proper grass growth, buy a kit online or at a local garden center to measure the pH of your yard's soil. Turf grasses grow best in soils with a pH of between 6.5 and 7. If you have sour, acidic soil with a low pH reading, treat your lawn with lime.

Calcium and Magnesium

• Lime consists of two elements that stabilize the pH of soil: calcium and magnesium. Acidic soil suggests that these minerals are lacking. By adding lime, you replenish your soil with these vital plant nutrients. For acidic soil, Landscaping Ideas Online suggests applying 40 pounds of lime pellets for every 1,000 square feet of lawn you plan to treat, although this recommended amount may vary by region. Consult the professionals at your local gardening center for recommendations before applying lime.

Availability of Nutrients

• In addition to suggesting a dearth of calcium and magnesium, acidic soil may mean that grass roots can't absorb other nutrients in the yard. When the pH of acidic soil is raised, the materials added to lawns --- such as fertilizers and mulches --- are more easily accessed by the lawn. According to A Greener Garden, one nutrient that commonly gets bound up in acidic soil is iron. Iron is responsible for the deep blue-green color of grass, so adding lime can help grass develop that rich green hue. Adding lime to lawns can also increase bacterial activity, which increases air exchange in the root systems and helps promote grass growth.

Moderation

• Apply lime to lawns during spring and fall, when the temperatures are mild and there's moisture in the soil. This may vary by region, of course, so consult a lawn care professional in your area before applying lime treatments. It's also vital that you apply the right amount of lime. Adding too much may create "sweet soil" --- soil that's too alkaline --- and stunt the growth of grass.