Yes! My favorite, most questioned, and arguably the most controversial topic in lawn care. Calcitic? Dolomitic? Pounds on the ground? Love when you cover the topic Matt. Im all ears when i hear you mention lime, well pretty much everything. Keep up the great work man.
I've been doing it wrong for years. Just throwing it down. After watching yours and Chuck Morgan video on my way to Lowe's for 40 bags of Lime. Had the soil test, my PH 5.1 in sandy soil. Keep up the good work for us newbies. Thanks
Love it. Can you do the same video on Sulfur/Sulfates? Always thought I had a nitrogen or iron deficiency but turns out my soil is low in S. pH is 6.49 so I don’t want to create a new problem by addressing another.
if you do have your lime buffering how do i use that info? My VA Tech soil test does have that, but they only talk about dolometric but i have high MG and CA so i dont need anymore.
Old farmer advice on lime - "Want it to work now, use powdered - Want it to work in 6 months use pellets". Thanks for the schooling. Really learned stuff.
Matt, if using fine calcitic lime for a quicker effect, understood... still have to apply the 150 lbs/k per my soil test whether I use dolomitic or calcitic. But, what would you recommend, as far as number of apps and timing of the apps in a year? More often than the 3 apps per year with dolomitic I've been recommended? Thanks for what you do man.
So timely with this video! Too bad I applied this weekend. Though I think just guessing I did a pretty good job, though I did just use the big box store stuff. So super informative and saving for next year.
searching long and hard to fine a finely ground dolomitic lime that's been prilled let alone enhance without some outrageous price. i wonder if its just as good to get a calcitic lime and try to add the magnesium later
It would be good to define what is long term vs short term effect. Does applying something like solu-cal at 10lbs per thousand sq ft do anything? If you apply at that rate every year does it maintain the existing pH? How often should you apply lime? Many lawn care companies do lime as one application per year at a low rate. Is that doing anything other than taking money?
Whether applying sol-u-cal or a regular lime at 10lbs/1000sqft, but a soil test demands 50lbs/1000sqft, you should theoretically be able to reach your target pH in 5 years - assuming nothing else is contributing to the soil acidity. Maybe a realistic time frame due to the method of slowly applying it, is closer to 7 years. applying it every year would only maintain it if you're doing things that would acidify the soil, or have a composition that trends acidic, thus requiring a buffer. lawn care companies are doing *something* but it's not much. Truthfully, I dont think lawn care companies have the budget nor do homeowners want to pay what it actually costs to modify soil pH within a few years.
So i just got my soil test back and my pH is 5.17 so I need a lot of lime. My question is, is there an order to putting down lime and fert? I am in NY and its just getting close to warm enough to do my first fert application. Should I put the lime and fert down the same day? Or lime, then wait a week or so then fert? Or put down fert, wait a week or two then put down lime? Thanks for any help you can give. Love the results I got last year from CarbonX, can't wait to use the new formula this year.
👍 Been applying Solu-Cal for the past few seasons on my lawn with uneven ph. Some areas are 4.5 and others 6+. Sounds like the rate needs to be increased. I will put a man on that in a few weeks.
Matt would there be any benefit to a "spoon feeding" effect for Ph correction? My soil report came back with a Ph of 4.5 and I know I need to make drastic change and the soil report recommended 125lbs lime per 1000 sq ft in the fall. So by spoon feeding I meant putting down 15-20lb per month or is it better to just try to get that full 125lb down in one to a few shot(s)? It looks like I will be looking for a Dolometic Lime as you mentioned in the beginning of the video because I'm also low on Cal and Mag.
I thought with the fast acting you can't do the same rate as dolo.. If you do, the soil pH will have a huge spike then fall back causing the grass to be unhappy..
the variability is how much you apply at one time and the reapplication intervals. It's harder if possible at all to nail with fast acting lime. You're always guessing if it's all neutralized and if you need to apply more. For lasting effect, the amount oyu need to apply is the same. To guess how far and quickly that will move the needle, is really just that - a guess at best.
I use Cal-Turf Pro, don’t need the magnesium, soil is already trending towards higher end. I go with with the 12lbs per sqft application twice a year. I will be doing a soil test in the fall to see where adjustments need to be made. Thank you for this information, incredibly helpful, I did not know the formula for figuring out the exact amount to apply was that complicated.
Or, you can try my method. Section out small plots of your property, take PH readings, apply various amounts of lime per plot, wait 6 to 8 weeks and retake PH readings. Closest reading to your target PH is the amount of lime needed for your property. Good luck all!
Look for the scientific tests on the super lime products. Scientific testing showed that the super products have the same power as the $5 bags of lime.
What scientific tests? Please share a link. All the lime buffering capacity tests I've read and performed showed no, they're not. Calcium hydroxide is, but most super limes are just calcium carbonate
@@TheGrassFactor I watched the test performed a few days ago and didn’t realize it’s the same channel. I go back to look in my history and find the guy in the video looks a lot like you! lol
And I just realized that the video I was referring to was your video. Unless I'm reading it wrong, your tests showed that the $5 bag of lime had the same correction effect as the expensive lime. And with this video you're saying that the effects would be faster acting but would still require the same amount of lime as the cheaper stuff. Did I say that right? For me, that says cheaper lime used before the snows come in Lancaster, Pa. would be fine because it will have 4-5 months to sit in the soil during the late fall and Winter. I was relying on memory from a week ago when I watched the other video. I thought that guy looked familiar! LOL
Seriously. You expect the average homeowner to relate to this? You know a soil test carries a huge fudge factor and may or may not represent your lawn. Especially true for large properties Adjusting low pH with pellitized lime takes a long time so pulverized agricultural lime is more responsive. Like you said soil chemistry is complicated so the best coarse of action is not panic and whip out the gimmicks. The average homeowner should consult with their local agricultural extension service or university before jumping off the cliff Here in the mid Atlantic the university of Maryland has an incredible on line site as well as regional offices to walk you through your lime issues No need to process calculus or hire a chemist. Keep it simple I have also found that farm supply stores are a wealth of region specific data . Farmers know about your local soil and the the supply stores know the farmers. Make use of known information and sources before you do something stupid
@@reneplamo8845 for the overwhelming majority. There are some other options with a decent enough calcium carbonate equivalent, but the risk to reward ratio becomes quite skewed
I've done two apps of Mag-i-Cal per year for 3 years and my pH never breaks 6. The bag says it's got the "power" of 15 bags of lime.
3 of the views belong to me 🤯😂
So good you had to rewatch it twice?
As a simpleton, I only had to rewind about 10 times. You're making this too easy Matt 🧘💚.
Yes! My favorite, most questioned, and arguably the most controversial topic in lawn care. Calcitic? Dolomitic? Pounds on the ground? Love when you cover the topic Matt. Im all ears when i hear you mention lime, well pretty much everything. Keep up the great work man.
I've been doing it wrong for years. Just throwing it down. After watching yours and Chuck Morgan video on my way to Lowe's for 40 bags of Lime. Had the soil test, my PH 5.1 in sandy soil. Keep up the good work for us newbies. Thanks
Love it. Can you do the same video on Sulfur/Sulfates? Always thought I had a nitrogen or iron deficiency but turns out my soil is low in S. pH is 6.49 so I don’t want to create a new problem by addressing another.
You're our hero and an inspiration to my channel.
Dang son! This is a level 300 class for homeowners and maybe 200 for pros. Mom I’m going to grass college!
YES! Grass Factor School has returned! Love it! 💯🔥
Where can we get that chart that shows how much lime to apply vs pH based on high / low line buffering capacity?
Matt, perfect timing with this. Thank you very much.
if you do have your lime buffering how do i use that info? My VA Tech soil test does have that, but they only talk about dolometric but i have high MG and CA so i dont need anymore.
Old farmer advice on lime - "Want it to work now, use powdered - Want it to work in 6 months use pellets". Thanks for the schooling. Really learned stuff.
great vid Matt
how about a follow up on the effects on turf of Low PH and High ph?
Your a great wealth of knowledge and more so share it effectively
Is it true you can overdo dolometric where you soil then holds too much CA and MG and it will never go away?
How do you find out Lime Buffering Capacity?
Matt, if using fine calcitic lime for a quicker effect, understood... still have to apply the 150 lbs/k per my soil test whether I use dolomitic or calcitic. But, what would you recommend, as far as number of apps and timing of the apps in a year? More often than the 3 apps per year with dolomitic I've been recommended? Thanks for what you do man.
🔥💯school is open at grass factor U🔥💯
So timely with this video! Too bad I applied this weekend. Though I think just guessing I did a pretty good job, though I did just use the big box store stuff. So super informative and saving for next year.
searching long and hard to fine a finely ground dolomitic lime that's been prilled let alone enhance without some outrageous price. i wonder if its just as good to get a calcitic lime and try to add the magnesium later
It would be good to define what is long term vs short term effect. Does applying something like solu-cal at 10lbs per thousand sq ft do anything? If you apply at that rate every year does it maintain the existing pH? How often should you apply lime? Many lawn care companies do lime as one application per year at a low rate. Is that doing anything other than taking money?
Whether applying sol-u-cal or a regular lime at 10lbs/1000sqft, but a soil test demands 50lbs/1000sqft, you should theoretically be able to reach your target pH in 5 years - assuming nothing else is contributing to the soil acidity. Maybe a realistic time frame due to the method of slowly applying it, is closer to 7 years.
applying it every year would only maintain it if you're doing things that would acidify the soil, or have a composition that trends acidic, thus requiring a buffer.
lawn care companies are doing *something* but it's not much. Truthfully, I dont think lawn care companies have the budget nor do homeowners want to pay what it actually costs to modify soil pH within a few years.
Amazing work! Thanks for making this video very informative. 👍🏽😁👍🏽
I multiple everything by one factor. The Grass Factor!!! Great Stuff here Matt. Keep it up!
Can you also do a video on sulfur to.
Great info, but I can see that I’ll have to re-watch it a few times 😆
Thanks. Good clinic on lime in the lawn.
So i just got my soil test back and my pH is 5.17 so I need a lot of lime. My question is, is there an order to putting down lime and fert? I am in NY and its just getting close to warm enough to do my first fert application. Should I put the lime and fert down the same day? Or lime, then wait a week or so then fert? Or put down fert, wait a week or two then put down lime? Thanks for any help you can give.
Love the results I got last year from CarbonX, can't wait to use the new formula this year.
Where does one purchase these higher quality lime products?
What time of the year and how often should you take a soil test?
👍 Been applying Solu-Cal for the past few seasons on my lawn with uneven ph. Some areas are 4.5 and others 6+. Sounds like the rate needs to be increased. I will put a man on that in a few weeks.
This is a great informative video. Keep up the good work.
Matt would there be any benefit to a "spoon feeding" effect for Ph correction? My soil report came back with a Ph of 4.5 and I know I need to make drastic change and the soil report recommended 125lbs lime per 1000 sq ft in the fall. So by spoon feeding I meant putting down 15-20lb per month or is it better to just try to get that full 125lb down in one to a few shot(s)? It looks like I will be looking for a Dolometic Lime as you mentioned in the beginning of the video because I'm also low on Cal and Mag.
Thumbs up. But did you say lime is not complicated?
Great video!! What would be a few symptoms that I would notice in my TTTF with low Ph?
Some of the fancy lime bags are going for $50/bag. Going with $5 per bag and letting the winter snow take care of the rest
Solid advice Mr. Martin! Keep it up!
My brain is fried looking at all these soul tests.
Needing to buffer ph in my soil. Very helpful!
So good. Amazing info
Which soil test do you recommend for a 1500 sq ft lawn?
I haven't done a soil test. Would it be ok if I wait til next year.
The finer the grind, the sweeter the juice
Those soil savvy tests are nonsense. Doesn't give CEC
Whew! You Lost me after 2:00 minutes hahahaha!
My PH is just under 6 for my st aug. I’m worried about doing lime bc I’m already high in Calcium and Mg.
Love your intro. Ill have to watch this again a few times. im a slow learner. hahaha. cheers dude.
My PH is 6.2 but Mg is 14 Ca is 75 and Mnis 1.4.Will lime help with all of these numbers? how much would i need?
What kind of test did you run? Tap water has more Ca than that.
Have I ever told you how good you look in pastel colors? 😂
Thanks for taking the time to make this video.
Wait, is my math off or is that really 81#/M if high buffer?
What is your opinion on these so called "Fast Acting Liquid Lime" products that most don't have any lime at all?
How are you going to get down that many pounds of lime in such little liquid
Ok say I need to lower the pH ?
I thought with the fast acting you can't do the same rate as dolo.. If you do, the soil pH will have a huge spike then fall back causing the grass to be unhappy..
the variability is how much you apply at one time and the reapplication intervals. It's harder if possible at all to nail with fast acting lime. You're always guessing if it's all neutralized and if you need to apply more. For lasting effect, the amount oyu need to apply is the same. To guess how far and quickly that will move the needle, is really just that - a guess at best.
That was in English. Great video
I use Cal-Turf Pro, don’t need the magnesium, soil is already trending towards higher end. I go with with the 12lbs per sqft application twice a year. I will be doing a soil test in the fall to see where adjustments need to be made.
Thank you for this information, incredibly helpful, I did not know the formula for figuring out the exact amount to apply was that complicated.
Any luck? I have a site one near me and i was wondering about this product too.
Sooo is Mag-I-Cal a scam?
Do you recommend liquid form of lime?
You can only dissolve 3.8 pounds of lime maximum in a gallon of water.
My hero!
1st???
Pete's my hero too 😉
I'm first
Lime is the new milorganite
Or, you can try my method. Section out small plots of your property, take PH readings, apply various amounts of lime per plot, wait 6 to 8 weeks and retake PH readings. Closest reading to your target PH is the amount of lime needed for your property. Good luck all!
50 p0unds per thousand.
Look for the scientific tests on the super lime products. Scientific testing showed that the super products have the same power as the $5 bags of lime.
What scientific tests? Please share a link. All the lime buffering capacity tests I've read and performed showed no, they're not. Calcium hydroxide is, but most super limes are just calcium carbonate
@@TheGrassFactor th-cam.com/video/WNhNlQbLLLY/w-d-xo.html&feature=share
The video shows reverse titration results of Mag I cal vs common lime
@@TheGrassFactor I watched the test performed a few days ago and didn’t realize it’s the same channel. I go back to look in my history and find the guy in the video looks a lot like you! lol
And I just realized that the video I was referring to was your video. Unless I'm reading it wrong, your tests showed that the $5 bag of lime had the same correction effect as the expensive lime. And with this video you're saying that the effects would be faster acting but would still require the same amount of lime as the cheaper stuff. Did I say that right? For me, that says cheaper lime used before the snows come in Lancaster, Pa. would be fine because it will have 4-5 months to sit in the soil during the late fall and Winter. I was relying on memory from a week ago when I watched the other video. I thought that guy looked familiar! LOL
@@starpartyguy5605 yessir you nailed it. No reason to use expensive lime!
Seriously. You expect the average homeowner to relate to this?
You know a soil test carries a huge fudge factor and may or may not represent your lawn. Especially true for large properties
Adjusting low pH with pellitized lime takes a long time so pulverized agricultural lime is more responsive.
Like you said soil chemistry is complicated so the best coarse of action is not panic and whip out the gimmicks.
The average homeowner should consult with their local agricultural extension service or university before jumping off the cliff
Here in the mid Atlantic the university of Maryland has an incredible on line site as well as regional offices to walk you through your lime issues
No need to process calculus or hire a chemist. Keep it simple
I have also found that farm supply stores are a wealth of region specific data . Farmers know about your local soil and the the supply stores know the farmers. Make use of known information and sources before you do something stupid
It's almost as if I'm making content not tailored to homeowners
Instead of ending the formula with x2 x1.5 x8 /6 you can simply do the math and say x4 😄
Humic...?
has no effect on pH
@@TheGrassFactor therefore lime is the solution when it comes to soil acidity right ?
@@reneplamo8845 for the overwhelming majority. There are some other options with a decent enough calcium carbonate equivalent, but the risk to reward ratio becomes quite skewed
I don't like loud people lol
Looks like you’re standing in front of the aquarium
Lime ,lime, lime ... blah! blah! blah!
Way too much information almost scientific info. Good luck!
Hey Mark, I apologize, my niche is explaining the science behind why we do what we do in lawn care
Wtf did he just say? Lol