How to Improve Clay Soil for Grass

Clay soil is also commonly referred to as heavy soil and is generally not considered an ideal growing medium. The soil has a high moisture content and poor drainage, making it prone to waterlogging and compaction. The dense, wet structure makes the circulation of air, water and nutrients impossible for plant roots. The lack of organic matter in clay soil results in this lack of texture. The soil is sticky when wet and dries into hard clods. Before you attempt to grow grass on clay soil, you need to amend it first.

Spade
Organic material
Fertilizer
Household ammonia
Liquid detergent

Instructions

- 1
  Use organic matter for improving soil conditions. Green plant material, leaf mold, compost or animal manure are all appropriate, notes the University of California Extension.
- 2
  Till or work the soil to the full length of the shovel blade or about 8 inches. If the ground is very hard to work, irrigate the area well and try working it the next day. This will also help to break up any large clods. It is easier to work with clay soil when it is a little moist.
- 3
  Cover the entire area with about 2 inches of organic material. As you spread the amendment, incorporate it well into the soil.
- 4
  Repeat the process again with another 2 inches of organic material. At this point, the amendment you have used should be well-mixed within the top 8 inches of soil in the bed.
- 5
  Sprinkle a regular fertilizer on top the ground and water in well with ammonia and soap mixture. Prepare this by mixing 1 quart household ammonia and 1 cup liquid soap with 20 gallons of water. This is sufficient for 3,000 square feet of ground. This helps to replace the nitrogen in soil and also speeds the decomposition of the newly added organic material, writes Jerry Baker in "Jerry Baker's Lawn Book."

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