Top Dressing With Compost
Top dressing involves the direct application of a layer of compost and/or other organic matter to turf grass. The thickness of this layer varies according to your needs but generally, we recommend a thickness of around 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch. Top dressing using compost offers several specific advantages over traditional methods of chemical fertilization and turf grass management. We have outlined six specific benefits of top dressing with compost;
Turf Nutrition
With respect to turf nutrition, the application of only one layer of
compost fulfills between 50 and 100 percent of the annual nutritional requirements of your turf. Compost is the only slow release soil amendment containing all of the essential elements to maintain balanced levels of :
- Macro-elements :
nitrogen, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, and sulfur.
- Micro-elements :
iron, boron, chlorine, manganese, zinc, copper, molybdenum, and nickel.
Soil structure
Without proper soil structure, any plant will have a very difficult
time performing it's most basic functions, particularly in turf systems where
soil compaction is a common problem. Pore spaces between soil particles allow for gas exchange between the atmosphere and the
plant's roots. These pores are also essential for water retention, root expansion and the mobility of predatory soil organisms. These predators are essential for maintaining the populations of soil born pests.
The organic matter component of soil is largely responsible for good soil structure. It is here that the soil microbes are most active; Bacteria attach to particles of minerals and decaying organic matter forming small aggregates. Fungi grow through these aggregates and are
bound together forming micro pores. It is widely accepted that good soils contain a minimum of three to five percent organic matter.
Microbial Activity
The application of quality compost stimulates the microbial activity
in the soil. Soil microbes are critically important for the health of the turf
plants, because without them, natural nutrient cycling and
mineralization cannot occur. Even if the highest quality compost is
not available, this material will be colonized by the indigenous soil
microbes and eventually broken down into plant available nutrients.
Thatch decomposition
The accumulation of dead undecomposed grass plants is an indicates
an inbalance; A lack of active mico organisms in the soil. The saprophytic
micro-organisms present in compost will transform this dead material
into plant available nutrients without mechanical removal.
Buffer the pH
All plants 'exude' enzymes, protiens, sugars or carbohydrates through
thier root systems. This occurs so that the plant selects the soil microbes
which are specific to it's habitat and survival. Fungi will feed on protiens
and complex carbohydrates, while bacteria favor simple carbohydrates
and sugars.
In the case of turf, the root exudates produce mostly sugars which attract
and nourish bacteria. The bodies of bacterial are covered in a slimy,
alkaline coating which can naturally buffer pH to around 6.8 The key
is to keep the organic matter percent at 5% to keep the microbial
activity at a high level.
Seed Germination
Compost top dressing and overseeding is the best way to assure
rapid and complete germination of grass seed. The seed to soil contact
will be greatly increased which improves germination. Your irrigation
inputs will decrease because of the water holding capacity of the
compost. The seed can be mixed with the compost before loading
into the Eco-Lawn Applicator to save labor costs and assure even
seed distribution.
Conclusion
It's plain to see that compost top dressing can become the core of
your natural lawn care program. This one application can address a
number of important fuctions and save labor, money and decrease
dependance on expensive inorganic products which can pollute our
environment.
The Eco-Lawn Applicator is the best top dresser on the market.
