St. Augustine Lawn Care...Naturally

Got a yellow lawn?  There may be a reason.  University experts have recommended high level of phosphorous (the P in N-P-K in conventional fertilizers) as part of their lawn care recommendations for years.  This has become a problem because phosphorous is an unusual mineral in that it doesn't travel in the soil like other water soluble minerals.  It builds up over time in the top 1/2 to one inch of soil where most of the roots reside.  Phosphorous binds with other important minerals including iron, copper and zinc making these unavailable to the plants.  The plants have a mineral deficit and turn yellow.  Temporary relief can be provided by adding the deficient trace mineral but it quickly binds up and the yellowing returns.

A group of my customers have found an interesting solution that has yielded beautiful lawns once again.  The "secret ingredient" is Texas Greensand, a marined-based mined mineral called glauconite containing high levels of slow-releasing potassium, iron and a balance mix of trace minerals.  They combine it with a good organic lawn fertilizer (I recommend Medina 5-3-4) in equal parts and broadcast at 20 lbs. per 1000 sq.ft. (that's 10 pounds of each per 1000 sq.ft.).  My experience has been that organic fertilizers last longer than water-soluble chemical fertilizers such as Scott's (of which 90% is lost after 2 inches of irrigation or rainfall) so two application a year should be adequate depending upon the health of your lawn.  Don't forget, a healthy lawn will be more beautiful and more disease and drought resistant.  Natural lawn care will save you money in the long run.