What can be added to alkaline soil to promote healthy turf growth?

To promote healthy turf growth in alkaline soil, adding sulfur is an effective strategy. Sulfur helps to lower the pH of the soil, making it more acidic. Turfgrass typically thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soil conditions, with a pH range of around 6.0 to 7.0. When the soil pH is too high, it can limit nutrient availability to plants, leading to deficiencies that inhibit healthy growth.

By lowering the pH through the application of sulfur, essential nutrients like iron and manganese become more accessible to the turfgrass, ultimately supporting better growth and overall health. This adjustment not only improves nutrient uptake but also encourages microbial activity in the soil, further benefiting the turf's development.

In contrast, lime is used to raise the pH of acidic soils, compost contributes organic matter but does not address pH issues directly, and while fertilizer provides nutrients, it does not alter soil pH. Therefore, for addressing alkaline conditions specifically, sulfur is the appropriate choice.