Spread compost for healthy, low-maintenance turf

Compost improves Turfgrass.

• Helps Control Thatch
• Provides Nutrients
• Helps the Soil Retain and Release Nutrients
• Helps Suppress Disease-Causing Bacteria and Fungi
• Improves the Turf Root System

These advantages are due to the living organisms in the compost, as well as the partially degraded materials that provide compost's bulk. When compost is further degraded by microorganisms in the soil, it becomes humus, a gel-like mixture of soil materials, remnants of microbes, and organic matter.

What's so great about Humus?

Humus and partially degraded organic matter retain water in a surface film that is still available to plants' root hairs, even after the free water has drained away from the root zone. Humus will continue to break down slowly over time, as weather conditions, nutrient availability and populations of microbes change.

Can Humus change Soil Texture?

Yes! Humus causes aggregates, or larger particles to form in the soil. This results in a coarser texture if the soil is composed of clay, silt, or loam - a better soil for plants that is more friable, looser, and drains more freely. The small grass root hairs will grow into the humus and organic matter, taking advantage of the added nutrients, beneficial microorganisms, and retained water. A larger root system can support healthier top growth.

What's the Bottom Line?

Continued top-dressing with compost will improve turfgrass stand, reaction to drought and resistance to disease. The overall health of the turfgrass, plus its increased root surface area, will recude the necessity for chemical pesticide applications. Healthy turfgrass requires less maintenance.

SOURCE: Cornell University Turfgrass Times