PJC’s Practical Organic Turf Care Approach  

When it comes to growing turf, there are things we cannot control and things that are unrealistic to try to change. PJC’s approach is ‘practical’ because we correct factors within our control that cultivate positive change. We balance practicality, financial sense, and effective practices. The key to a successful all-natural Organic Turf Care (OTC) program is to apply the right products along with proper cultural practices. Lastly, soil testing dictates our fertilizer, soil amendments, and application rate decisions. Here, we’re digging into soil chemistry and turf care…

HEALTHY TURF CIRCLE

For the month of January, we are diving into PJC Organic’s Healthy Turf Circle — the cornerstone to our practical approach — where we start with the soil. HEALTHY TURF depends on the connection and balance between Soil Chemistry, Soil Biology, Soil Structure, and Cultural Practices.

Last week, our blog detailed what PJC’s Healthy Turf Circle is and why it’s important in organic turf care.

The 4 Healthy Turf Circle Elements:

1. Soil Chemistry: Balancing pH and nutrient levels for optimal plant growth.
2. Soil Biology: Encouraging a thriving ecosystem of beneficial microbes.
3. Soil Structure: Maintaining aeration, compaction resistance, and good water infiltration.
4. Cultural Practices: Employing proper mowing, watering, aeration, and overseeding techniques.

By focusing on these interconnected elements, the program ensures a holistic approach to nurturing turf that is both environmentally responsible and effective.

Soil Chemistry: The First Component of the Healthy Turf Circle

Soil Chemistry is the first component of the healthy turf circle – we are looking primarily to influence the pH of the soil. From there, we can better influence the soil nutrients and their bio availability to the turf plant.

Understanding pH… 

pH stands for potential hydrogen, measuring soil acidity, neutrality, or alkalinity on a scale:

• • Acidic: pH 6.9 and below
  • Neutral: pH 7.0
  • Alkaline: pH 7.1 and above

In the Northeast, native soils are typically acidic, making pH adjustments essential for turfgrass growth. Turfgrass thrives in a pH range of 6.2–6.9, with the ideal range being 6.5–6.8. Within this range, the bioavailability of essential nutrients is maximized, significantly boosting plant health.

The above graph illustrates nutrient availability across the pH spectrum. It shows that nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are most accessible at a 6.5 pH. This balance ensures that turfgrass can absorb the nutrients needed for optimal growth and resilience.

Essential Nutrients for Plant Growth

Plants require 16 essential nutrients, divided into two categories based on the quantities needed and their roles in plant health: Macronutrients and Micronutrients.

Macronutrients — These nutrients are required in large quantities and play a significant role in plant structure and growth.

1. Primary Macronutrients
   • Nitrogen (N): Essential for leaf and stem growth.
   • Phosphorus (P): Promotes root development and flowering.
   • Potassium (K): Supports overall plant health and stress tolerance.
2. Secondary Macronutrients
   • Sulfur (S): Important for protein formation.
   • Calcium (Ca): Strengthens cell walls.
   • Magnesium (Mg): Central to chlorophyll production.
3. Non-Mineral Macronutrients
   • Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), Oxygen (O): Derived from air and water; vital for photosynthesis and overall plant structure.

Micronutrients — These are required in smaller amounts but are crucial for specific physiological and biochemical processes within the plant.

• Iron (Fe): Important for chlorophyll synthesis.
• Manganese (Mn): Aids enzyme activation.
• Boron (B): Vital for cell wall strength and development.
• Copper (Cu): Essential for enzyme function.
• Zinc (Zn): Influences growth hormone production.
• Chlorine (Cl): Involved in osmosis and ionic balance.
• Molybdenum (Mo): Crucial for nitrogen fixation and utilization.

Soil pH and Nutrient Availability

While these nutrients are often present in the soil, their bioavailability depends heavily on soil pH. Maintaining a pH range of 6.5–6.7 ensures optimal availability of both macro and micronutrients, fostering healthy and robust plant growth.

Proven Products

            When looking at soil chemistry and turf, getting pH in range is the most critical part of an organic turf care program. Therefore, PJC offers an OMRI listed High Efficiency Calcitic Lime with 2% Humic Chelating Agent that works faster and more efficiently than traditional pelletized lime to change the soil chemistry.  The calcium carbonate alkalizes soil pH (Increases), while the humic chelating agent even furthers the availability of nutrients in the soil.  

Impact of pH Correction

Once the soil’s pH is within the target range (6.5–6.8)…

• Nutrients become abundantly available to turfgrass.
• The desired soil biology can thrive, creating a balanced and sustainable ecosystem.

Have more questions on soil chemistry and turf care? Feedback? Want more product info and pricing? Contact us!