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Applying lime to the soil of home lawns is done to increase the soil pH. The pH of the soil, simply stated, is the measure of the soil's acidity or alkalinity. An acidic soil can directly affect the vigor and quality of the home lawn.

Aside from Western Pennsylvania clay soil being naturally acidic, there are several factors that can cause acidic soil conditions to occur. One factor is the break down of basic nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium from the soil. The leaching of the nutrients is more likely to take place in areas of heavy rainfall or on frequently irrigated turf. Another contributing factor in the development of acidic soil conditions is the use of Nitrogen fertilizers. Frequently fertilized turf has a much greater potential to develop acidic soil conditions. Decomposition of soil organic matter can be another factor leading to a reduction in a soil’s pH. 

When acidic soil conditions exist, the availability of necessary nutrients for proper growth is reduced. These nutrients are comprised of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sulfur, Calcium, Magnesium and Molyndenum. When there is a reduction in the availability of the nutrients, the turf’s overall ability to maintain color, vigor and resistance, drought and heat stress become reduced. Applying lime to adjust (raise) the pH level in the soil will increase the ease in the uptake of these nutrients, thus producing a more vigorous, productive turf.  

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