Baking soda is fungicide meaning it kills good and bad fungi in the soil. No idea how long it takes for baking soda to go away but you will have to apply compost to re-introduce beneficial fungi to the soil. I wouldn't use baking soda again. Go with corn meal instead. Maybe Actinovate or Rootshield. Organic fertilizer won't burn your lawn. Go for it.

I don't mean to hyjack your thread, but I'm wondering if this is the same cornmeal used to make cornbread that you buy at the grocery store?

"I'm wondering if this is the same cornmeal used to make cornbread that you buy at the grocery store?"

Yes, but you'll want to buy it in bulk if you plan to use it on your lawn or it will get expensive in a hurry.

Feed grade corn meal is similar to food grade. The difference is in how the corn was stored before it was ground.