soil sample results and fertilizing

16 years ago

I could use some help with my soil sample results and fertilizing.

First off, I live in Tyler, Texas, and have St. Augustine grass. I recently bought this house, and it is my first lawn. 43560sqft total.

These are my soil sample results and recommendations from the Agrilife extension service:

pH 6.0

conductivity 85 umho/cm

Nitrate-N 4ppm recommend 0.8 lbs N/1000sqft

Phosphorus 61ppm recommend 0.0 lbs P2O5/1000sqft

Potassium 53ppm recommend 2 lbs K2O/1000sqft

Calcium, Magnesium and Sulfur all a little high and no additions suggested. Sodium 69ppm, low, but no recommendation given.

Limestone requirement 10 lbs/1000sqft

Do these recommendations apply for each time I fertilize (3-4 times a year)? Or do they represent a year?

Also, I notice that all fertilizers I see for sale have a high Nitrate concentration compared to Potassium, yet the recommendations I have call for more twice as much Potassium as Nitrate. Any suggestions on how I should go about fertilizing this lawn properly? Should (can) I buy the ingredients separately?

Lastly, I'm not sure what to do about the limestone. I'm not sure where to buy it, what kind to get, how often to apply.

Sorry for the newb questions. I have been doing my research, but stuck here. I read the Scott's book on southern lawns, and I have been browsing around the Internet for info, but Im still left with these few questions. Any help is much appreciated.

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Comments (5)

lightrailcoyote
Original Author
16 years ago
does anyone have any suggestions as to how I should go about fertilizing this lawn? thanks.
dchall_san_antonio
16 years ago
Confused by the pH and calcium. pH of 6.0 but calcium is a little high? High calcium, especially in Texas, usually means pH around 8. Who did your test?

St Augustine is very tolerant of off kilter soil conditions, and yours are not that off. The numbers they recommend are less important than the number ratios. Look for one that is heavier on K than N and P.

Fertilize with chemical fertilizer after you have mowed for the second time this year. Memorial Day is good. Then fertilize again on Labor Day and Thanksgiving.
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lightrailcoyote
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks for the reply. Calcium level is 998ppm. Magnesium is 74ppm. Sulfur 14ppm. Sodium 69ppm. AgriLife Extension at Texas A&M did the test. What should I do about the limestone recommendation? Is that something I can get at the Depot, and will I need to apply often or just once?
steveaggie
16 years ago
lightrailcoyote, how long did it take you to get your results back? I am waiting for mine. If I were you I would try taking your results to Calloway's nursery. They said they would help me when I got my results back. I don't think the big box stores have many knowledgeable people.
lightrailcoyote
Original Author
16 years ago
steveaggie, it took just a little over a week to get my results back. I don't think there is a Calloways in Tyler, but that makes me think I should think about exploring the local nurseries for lawn and garden goods instead of automatically driving straight to the Depot.