How Do I Lower the Sodium in My Lawn?

Applying gypsum is the primary method to lower sodium levels in your lawn.

Here's a breakdown of how to address high sodium in your lawn:

Understanding the Problem: Sodic and Saline Soils

High sodium levels can lead to sodic or saline soils, which are detrimental to lawn health.

Sodic soils: Have a high concentration of sodium ions, which causes clay particles to disperse. This results in poor soil structure, reduced water infiltration, and inhibited root growth.
Saline soils: Contain high concentrations of various salts, including sodium. This increases the osmotic pressure of the soil, making it difficult for plants to absorb water.

Gypsum (Calcium Sulfate - CaSO4) is a common and effective amendment for treating both saline and sodic soils.

Displaces Sodium: The calcium in gypsum replaces the sodium ions bound to the soil particles.
Improves Soil Structure: Calcium helps to flocculate (clump together) clay particles, improving soil structure, aeration, and water infiltration.
Leaches Sodium: The displaced sodium, now in solution, can be leached away from the root zone with adequate irrigation or rainfall.

Soil Testing: Before applying any amendment, conduct a soil test to determine the extent of the sodium problem and other nutrient deficiencies. This test will provide the most accurate application rate recommendation. Contact your local extension office for soil testing resources.
Calculate Gypsum Application Rate: Based on your soil test results, determine the appropriate amount of gypsum to apply. Application rates vary depending on the severity of the sodium issue. A general recommendation is to apply gypsum at a rate of 50 pounds per 1,000 square feet initially. However, ALWAYS follow the recommendations from your soil test report.
Apply Gypsum: Spread the gypsum evenly over the affected area using a fertilizer spreader.
Water Thoroughly: After applying gypsum, water the lawn thoroughly to help it dissolve and penetrate the soil.
Monitor and Reapply: Monitor your lawn's health and retest the soil periodically. You may need to reapply gypsum in the future if sodium levels remain high.

Water Quality: If your irrigation water has high sodium levels, consider alternative water sources or water treatment options.
Drainage: Ensure proper drainage to facilitate the leaching of sodium. Improve drainage by aerating the lawn or installing drainage systems.
Soil Type: Clay soils are more prone to sodium problems than sandy soils.

While gypsum is the primary solution, these strategies can supplement your efforts:

Organic Matter: Incorporating organic matter like compost can improve soil structure and water retention, aiding in sodium management.
Salt-Tolerant Grasses: Consider planting salt-tolerant grass varieties if the sodium problem is severe and difficult to correct.

By following these steps and carefully monitoring your lawn, you can effectively lower sodium levels and promote a healthy, thriving turf.