The Bermuda grass is a long-lived, warm-season perennial grass that thrives in the hot southern states. It grows well in most soil types and can withstand drought conditions with proper watering techniques.
The blog post goes on to provide information about pH levels and how they affect bermuda grasses.
pH For Bermuda Grass – 5 Tips
Here’s 5 tips you need to know about pH levels of soil in bermuda grass lawns:
1. Soil pH levels should be 5.5 to 7.0
The ideal soil pH level for bermuda grass lawns is between 5.5 and 7.0, which is well within the range of what’s considered acceptable for most turfgrass species and cultivars.
2. A soil test will tell you exactly where your pH levels are at
There are a number of ways to determine the soil pH levels in your lawn, but the best way to do it is through a lab-based soil test that measures the amount of acidity or alkalinity in your soil by using a base saturation (BS) value.
3. Bermuda grass likes soils with slightly acidic pH values between 5.5 – 6.0
According to research conducted by Drs James Raper & Robert Puckett at Auburn University’s Department of Horticulture & Crop Science in Alabama, bermuda grass prefers slightly acidic soils with an optimum range of 5.5 – 6.0 for optimum growth rates and greening ability when grown under optimal conditions (i.e., full sun exposure).
These findings were based on laboratory studies that examined the effects of various levels of nitrogen fertilizer inputs on bermuda grass plants grown under optimal conditions (i..e., full sun). According to their research results: “The optimum ranges for N [nitrogen] application were from 30-60 lb/ac [13-27 kg/ha] of actual N. The optimum pH range was 5.5-6.0 [soil pH]. This range is well within the acceptable range for bermuda grass.”
4. Soils with a neutral pH level (7.0) are also fine to use for bermuda grass lawns
While it’s true that bermuda grass prefers slightly acidic soils, it can still grow and thrive in soils with a neutral pH level between 7.0 – 7.5 as well… In fact, many golf courses around the world utilize this type of soil mix for their greens and fairways, which means that you don’t have to worry about your bermuda lawn dying if you have neutral-based soil in your yard…
However, just keep in mind that optimal growth rates will be reduced due to the fact that bermuda grass plants prefer slightly acidic soils over neutral ones; although, it will still grow regardless of its soil’s pH level (as long as it’s within the acceptable range).
5. You can raise or lower soil pH levels using lime & sulfur products
If you notice that your bermudagrass lawn has yellowing leaves and/or poor growth rates due to low soil acidity levels (i.e., below 5), then you can easily correct this by applying ground limestone or sulfur products into the root zone to increase acidity levels back up into the ideal range (i.e., 5 – 6).
Conversely, if you notice that your turfgrass is growing too fast and not filling in very well due to high soil alkalinity levels (i.e., above 7), then you should apply ground sulfur or iron sulfate products into the root zone to bring them back down into the ideal range… But again, make sure that you test your soil first before doing anything else!
Lime for Bermuda Grass
Tips on when to use lime for bermuda grass
Use lime for bermuda grass in the early spring, when the soil temperature is above 60 degrees.
Use a slow-release form of lime, which will provide nutrients as well as help to break down thatch.
Apply lime according to the package instructions, which may be based on the size of your lawn. For example, you may need to apply 4 pounds of lime per 1,000 square feet of lawn.
After applying lime for bermuda grass, water it in well so that it can mix with the soil and release its nutrients and chemicals.
Here’s why you should use lime for bermuda grass
Lime for bermuda grass helps to break down thatch. When you apply lime to your lawn, it will make the soil softer and easier to work with. It also helps to loosen the soil and release nutrients needed by grass plants.
When you apply lime to your lawn, it will make the soil softer and easier to work with. It also helps to loosen the soil and release nutrients needed by grass plants. Lime for bermuda grass adds calcium and magnesium.
As a result of this application, you’ll see an improvement in root growth as well as in overall plant health. The calcium added by lime acts as a natural fungicide, helping your lawn resist disease problems like fungus and rust diseases.
As a result of this application, you’ll see an improvement in root growth as well as in overall plant health. The calcium added by lime acts as a natural fungicide, helping your lawn resist disease problems like fungus and rust diseases.
Lime for bermuda grass improves drought tolerance: If you’re experiencing drought conditions during the summer months, applying lime can help keep your lawn healthy despite these conditions.
The magnesium added is important for promoting photosynthesis within plants; when photosynthesis is slowed or stopped due to lack of water or sunlight, magnesium levels drop quickly in plants which can lead them into shock or even death if not remedied quickly enough! Using lime can help prevent this from happening!
FAQs
How do I make my Bermuda grass thicker and greener?
The first step is to aerate your lawn. This will help the grass grow deeper roots. The next step is to have your soil tested. You may need to add more iron, phosphorus or potassium depending on what the test reveals.
If you want a thick, green lawn, you’ll need to fertilize your Bermuda grass at least twice a year with a slow-release fertilizer (such as Osmocote). If you live in an area where Bermuda grass is susceptible to winter damage, applying a winterizer fertilizer (such as Scotts WinterGuard) before the ground freezes will help protect it from cold weather damage. When using a slow-release fertilizer, apply it in early spring and again in late summer. If you are using a winterizer fertilizer, apply it in mid-fall and again in late fall or early spring before new growth begins (usually December – February).
You should also water your Bermudagrass regularly during hot weather and drought periods. Water deeply once or twice per week so that the water penetrates down into the root zone. To check if your Bermuda grass needs watering, stick your finger into the soil up to about one inch deep; if the soil feels dry, then it’s time to water!
What is the fastest way to lower pH in soil?
In general, the fastest way to lower pH in soil is to use sulfur. Sulfur is applied to soil in various forms, including elemental sulfur (S) and sulfate salts (SO 4 -). Elemental sulfur is the most effective way to lower pH. It can be applied as a dust or granule.
The rate of application depends on the amount of sulfur needed to lower the pH by 0.2 units, which is approximately equivalent to one tenth of a pH unit. The rate also depends on how much water will be used for irrigation.
What is the best pH level for growing grass?
The best pH for growing grass is between 6.0 and 7.0. The optimum pH range for growth is between 6.5 and 7.5, but the lower end of this range is most ideal for turfgrass growth and health.
What is the best fertilizer for Bermuda grass?
The best fertilizer for Bermuda grass is one that contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. If you have a soil test result from your lawn, you can purchase fertilizer that is specifically designed to meet the needs of your lawn. However, it’s usually not necessary to buy a special type of fertilizer for Bermuda grass. Since Bermuda grass grows well with most fertilizers, just use any fertilizer that has these three nutrients in it.