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 Home>Lawn & Garden>Home Gardening>Lawns>Soil & Fertility>
Ironing Your Turfgrass
Although the earth’s crust is about 5% iron (Fe), we still see iron deficiency in plants. This may be because of a problem with the plant roots, soil and/or environment. This publication includes tips on how to care for your turfgrass.
[Image: fertilizer spreader]Avoid Lawncare Water Pollution
Unwise suburban lawncare can provide a direct surface route for fertilizer nutrients and other surface pollutants to enter bayous and bays.
Beware Of Lawn Winterizers, Cautions LSU AgCenter Horticulturist
Louisianians who winterize their lawns in October need to be especially careful at reading the nutrient label on the fertilizer bag, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.
Dealing With Salinity in Lawns
Soil salts affect turf mostly by withholding moisture from plant tissues. They may also compete for uptake of nutrient ions. Try these suggestions to manage a soil salinity situation.
[Image: spot]Results are only as good as sample
The chemical analysis of a soil sample has been worked out and calibrated so that the numbers reported mean something useful to the client. However, the results are only as good as the sample is representative of the area and crop’s root zone.
[Image: test]Soil Test in Fall or Winter
Knowing what is in your soil and what it needs is a basic and first step to a good crop and plant health. This off-season time is a good time to get this information and find the products you will require.
Essential Steps When Starting A Southern Lawn
Spring is the time to begin working on a new lawn, and LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske has advice for those undertaking such a project.
[Image: Plots with nitrogen fertilizers]Nitrogen in Lawn Fertilizers
Nitrogen is the chief nutrient and controller of plant growth in average soils. It is provided in several commercial fertilizer forms.
[Image: grass]Winterizing Your Southern Lawn
Winterizing is an attempt to toughen plant tissues for the winter freezes much as you would add antifreeze to your car’s radiator for freeze protection.
[Image: problem]Investigating Problem Turfs
Turf problems can be categorized as cultural (man-made), environmental or pest-related. Often two or more of these factors contribute to the problem.
[Image: pepper]Acid Soil Problems
Acidic soils (low pH) cause more gardening problems in Louisiana than any other soil factor. They affect so many other soil factors in both pest management and soil fertility.
Calculating Fertilizer Application Rates
The analysis or "formula" listed on the fertilizer bags tells you what is inside. This information lets you apply the proper amount of fertilizer.
[Image: lawn]Should new sod be fertilized?
Many wonder if newly laid sod should be quickly fertilized to help speed establishment.
[Image: Bare areas]Thin Areas in Summer Lawns
When attempting to determine the cause of dying patches of grass during the summer, always check the soil first.
[Image: layer]Layering in Soils
Layering of very different soil types creates root problems. If you can, always avoid sodding a sand-based root-zone area with native-soil-based sod.
[Image: Landscape]Replanting Storm-ravaged Landscapes Begins
Landscapes damaged by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita can be revitalized. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill talks about what can be done to repair the damage.
Jefferson, Orleans Soil Contamination May Not Be As Serious As Feared
LSU AgCenter experts say soil contamination in Jefferson and Orleans parishes from flooding after this summer’s hurricanes may not be as serious as originally feared. Initial results of tests conducted in October indicate no need for special preparations to the soils prior to planting and that there should be no danger for individuals digging or planting in the soil.
[Image: LSU AgCenter faculty testing soil in Jefferson and Orleans parishes]LSU AgCenter Faculty Checking New Orleans Soil, Plants
Will the grass come back and how long will it be before vegetable gardens can be planted were questions on the minds of LSU AgCenter faculty members who recently toured the New Orleans area.
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