How to Raise PH and Lower PH in Texas Soil & Lawns

Are you trying to learn how to raise the soil PH of your lawn or garden? Or how about learning how to lower your soil PH in Texas (which is the most common problem in 85% of Texas)? We have created a short blog post here to help guide you through the process.

How to Lower Soil PH

When the pH in the soil is too high, the nutrients can "lock up" which causes them to be less available to plants, and they cannot absorb them properly. In some cases, the soil pH may be too alkaline, which can be harmful to plants. Further, it almost always leads to fungus and diseases in warm-season turfgrass like St. Augustine, Bermuda, and Zoysia. In such cases, it is essential to reduce the soil pH to ensure optimal grass growth. Here are some ways to reduce pH:

1. Formally test your soil - Do not start guessing what your pH is by using a $19 pH meter or some $5 test strip. Properly pull soil cores all over your property and send the test off to a reputable lab in your state. Here is our detailed guide of how to properly test your lawn soil: https://turfgrassscience.com/soil-test-dallas-fortworth/.
2. Add organic matter - Organic matter, such as peat moss and cotton bur compost, can help reduce soil pH over time. As the organic matter decomposes, it releases acids that can lower the soil pH. In addition, organic matter can improve soil structure and increase the soil's ability to hold moisture and nutrients. Important note: organic matter must be incorporated in the soil via aeration or tilling, not "top dressed" and thrown on top.
3. Apply sulfur - Sulfur is a commonly used amendment to lower soil pH. It reacts with water to form sulfuric acid, which can help reduce the soil pH. However, sulfur takes time to work, so it may take several months to see noticeable changes in soil pH.
4. Use acidifying fertilizers - Some fertilizers, such as ammonium sulfate and urea, can help lower soil pH in your lawn. These fertilizers release acidifying ions as they break down, which can help reduce soil pH over time.
5. Apply elemental sulfur - Applying elemental sulfur directly to the soil is another way to lower soil pH. The sulfur oxidizes in the soil and forms sulfuric acid, which can help reduce soil pH. However, elemental sulfur can take several months to work, and it must be incorporated into the soil thoroughly.
6. Use acidifying soil amendments - Other soil amendments, such as aluminum sulfate and iron sulfate, can help lower soil pH. These amendments release acidifying ions and can help reduce soil pH quickly. However, these amendments should be used sparingly, as they can be harmful to plants if used in excess.

In conclusion, reducing soil pH is essential for optimal plant growth and health. Adding organic matter, applying sulfur, using acidifying fertilizers, applying elemental sulfur, and using acidifying soil amendments are all effective ways to lower soil pH. However, it is essential to monitor soil pH regularly and ensure that the soil pH remains within the optimal range for the plants growing in it. Over-acidifying the soil can also be harmful to plants, so please be careful when making adjustments.

How to Raise Soil PH

A neutral lawn soil PH is about 7.0. And almost all turfgrass would prefer to live in a slightly acidic PH range of 6.5 to 7.0. When the soil pH is lower than this range lawn grass starts to look lethargic and lose some color. In such cases, it is essential to raise the soil pH to ensure optimal plant growth. Here are some ways to raise pH:

1. Add lime - Lime is a commonly used amendment to raise soil pH. It reacts with water to form calcium hydroxide, which can help raise the soil pH. There are several types of lime available, including dolomitic lime and calcitic lime. The amount of lime required depends on the soil type and the desired pH level.
2. Use wood ashes - Wood ashes can help raise soil pH. They contain potassium and calcium carbonates, which can help neutralize soil acidity. However, wood ashes should be used sparingly, as they can raise soil pH quickly and in excess, which can be harmful to plants.
3. Apply calcium carbonate - Calcium carbonate is another amendment that can help raise soil pH. It reacts with water to form calcium hydroxide, which can help raise the soil pH. However, like lime, the amount of calcium carbonate required depends on the soil type and the desired pH level.
4. Use eggshells - Eggshells can also help raise soil pH. They contain calcium carbonate, which can help neutralize soil acidity. However, like wood ashes, eggshells should be used sparingly, as they can raise soil pH quickly and in excess, which can be harmful to plants.
5. Apply shellfish waste - Shellfish waste, such as crushed oyster shells, can also help raise soil pH. They contain calcium carbonate, which can help neutralize soil acidity. However, like lime and calcium carbonate, the amount of shellfish waste required depends on the soil type and the desired pH level.

In conclusion, raising soil pH is essential for optimal plant growth and health. Adding lime, using wood ashes, applying calcium carbonate, using eggshells, and applying shellfish waste are all effective ways to raise soil pH. However, it is essential to monitor soil pH regularly and ensure that the soil pH remains within the optimal range for the plants growing in it. Over-alkalizing the soil can also be harmful to plants, so it is important to use these methods in moderation.