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Compostimproves the moisture-holding capacity of thesoil, adds nutrients, and feeds soil microbes.
These microbes are key to the complex process that makes food available to grass plants.
A healthy microbe population encourages a dense green lawn.
Francesca Yorke / Taxi / Getty Images
Compost spread on top of thatch can also speed thatch decomposition and eliminate the labor of mechanical removal.
Complications of Topdressing
But there is a problem: Compost quality varies.
Consider these questions:
The parent materials and the composting process both affect the quality of the final product.
That is to use compost that has undergone compost-specific testing.
According to Rattie, STA is the only nationally recognized test.
Rattie says one of the biggest concerns is the presence of pesticide residuals.
Well-made compost, however, carries little of this risk.
A proper composting system destroys the overwhelming majority of pesticides and herbicides," says Rattie.
Unfortunately, consumers are not likely to find STA compost in big box stores.
Bagged compost supplies only one cubic foot of material, he says.
It takes 27 bags to get one cubic yard.
Rattie also encourages coreaerationafter the compost has been applied.
In cool-season areas, the spring software is typically lighter and the fall software heavier.
In the south, topdress warm-season grasses in early spring.
Consult with the local extension service or your soil test provider for recommended depth and dates.
Keep in mind, too, that compost has some fertilizer value and may partially offset fertilizer app rates.
Time to Top-Dress Turf!UF/IFAS Extension
