SeaScape Soil Analysis

SeaScape generally does not test soils for most customers unless there is a problem with lawn results using our standard fertilizer program. The program is designed to satisfy most lawn requirements. For some programs, however, soil testing is included. Platinum customers receive a soil test since we will be seeding their lawn, and a soil test gives us the opportunity to determine if additional nutrients are required for the seed. Natural Green PLUS customers also receive a soil test since the program is designed to reduce fertilizer requirements in the future. Soil test results indicate soil acidity (pH), and levels of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K).

pH is a measure of soil acidity and alkalinity. pH < 7 are acidic, > 7 are alkaline. Most soils in southern New England are naturally acidic due to our glacial soils. Acid rain and the application of fertilizers also contribute to acid soil. Lime is applied to raise the pH of acid soils. Turfgrasses prefer soils that are slightly acidic, with a pH of 5.5 – 7, although the preferred pH will vary with turf grass species.

Lime is applied to all SeaScape customers annually to counter the acidifying effects of acid rain and fertilizers. In cases of very low pH (<5.5) we may recommend the application of additional lime (additional charges may apply).

Result Ranges
Very Low: <5.0 Low: 5-6 Optimal: 6-7 High: NA[/tab] [tab title="Phosphorus"]Phosphorus (P) is an important nutrient for all plant growth, especially for rooting. However, many soils in southern New England have a sufficient amount of P for established Turfgrasses. Supplemental P is typically applied only at the time of seeding when grasses require P in high amounts. Supplemental applications of P to established turf should be made if a deficiency is found in a soil test. ** surplus levels of P and K will not harm the soil or your lawn

Most SeaScape programs do not include phosphorus unless a soil test indicates a deficiency. Phosphorus is considered a pollution hazard and many states prohibit its application unless seeding and without a soil test.

Result Ranges
Very Low: <1.0 Low: 1-4 Optimal: 4-14 High: >14

Potassium (K) is important for turf water use, and drought & wear tolerance. Unlike P, it is often found at low or medium levels in testing. Many SeaScape fertilizers contain K in quantities to make up for an anticipated deficiency. If a soil test show low K levels despite fertilizer applications, supplemental applications of K would be warranted.

** surplus levels of P and K will not harm the soil or your lawn

Result Ranges
Very Low: <40.0 Low: 40-100 Optimal: 100-160 High: >160

Nitrogen (N) generally is NOT part of a soil test. Soil N levels are highly variable, and will fluctuate with soil moisture and temperature, resulting in N levels being an unreliable measure of a lawn’s N requirement. N requirements of lawns are thus determined by grass type (bluegrass, ryegrass, fescue), and season of the year.