Is Lime Good for Grass or Sod?

Lime balances soil pH levels for optimal grass and sod growth.

Agricultural lime acts as a soil amendment to balance pH levels, adds nutrients to soil and reduces soil toxicity. Lime is beneficial to grass and sod to balance pH levels and soil nutrient deficiencies.

Types

Agricultural lime comes in three forms: ground limestone, burnt lime and hydrated lime. Ground limestone consists of finely ground calcium carbonate, or a calcium and magnesium mixture known as dolomitic limestone. Burnt lime and hydrated lime are concentrated versions of ground lime that react to soil quicker than ground lime, according to the West Virginia University Extension Service.

Significance

Sod, or pre-grown grass, requires a pH level of 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth, reports the University of Rhode Island Landscape Horticulture Program. Traditional lawn grass requires a pH level between 6.5 and 7.0 for optimal growth, according to the West Virginia University Extension Service. Soil pH levels measure how acidic or alkaline soil is, with 7.0 representing a neutral level. Agricultural lime application increases soil pH levels, which changes the soil pH from acidic to neutral.

Warning

University-based and private labs can test soil samples for pH levels to determine the proper amount of lime application, if any. The West Virginia University Extension Service recommends lime application every three to five years if soil pH levels are too low, or acidic. However, too much lime can damage both grass and sod lawns.

References

• West Virginia University Extension Service; Liming the Lawn; Clifford W. Collier, Jr,, John Jett
• University of Rhode Island Landscape Horticulture Program; Installing a Sod Lawn; Thomas Kowalsick; 2001