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Turf fungus #351700

Asked August 09, 2016, 6:18 PM EDT

Hi, We live in Plymouth, back up to a marsh, and have compacted clay soil. Our backyard has a turf fungus. 3 or 4 years ago, we had this and did a large drainage project which seemed to help, but we also didn't have extended night temps of 70+ again until this summer. Recent U of MN soil test showed 8.3% organic matter, 0.3 salt, 7.8 pH, 13 & 16 P, 96 K. We have someone core aerate every fall. We're thinking of dethatching and adding 1-2" of topsoil. Should we try to bring down soil pH, too? Any help is greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Changing the pH of soil is very difficult because of the natural buffering of soils. Sam Bauer in the turf science dept. at the U helps homeowners with turf problems and since you have already done considerable work I would contact him for advice. Send him your photos when you contact him. This is a very busy time of year for him and it may be a few days to a week before he replies.
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