Planning
3/19/2020 – Used the pH meter to take readings at the N-S-E-W quadrant points and along the ordinal lines; i.e. NW, NE, SW, and SE. Also, halfway between those points (ESE to SSW) in the south half where the readings were in the low 5’s. Generally, readings were taken at about 10′, 20′, and 40-50′ from the water’s edge.
ACES’s test report is here showing a pH of 5. Most samples were taken in the south half where the meter found the ph to be 5.1 to 6.1 10 ft. from the water to low-to-high 6’s from 20 ft. and further from the water.
Bermuda grass grows best when soil pH is between 5.8 and 7.0, but it will tolerate more alkaline conditions.2 In areas with overly acidic soil, regular applications of lime may be needed to keep pH at optimal levels for nutrient availability. From Pennington Seed here.
From Baker Lime here for pelletized lime and our “Loam and Light Clay” per the test report, we need to spread 75 lbs. per 1,000 SF to raise the pH 1 point.
South half area plus east side to lime, to raise the pH a half-point, is 5,400+3,100 = 8,500 SF. So, 75/2 x 8.5 = 319 lbs. should be spread.
Potential Impact of the lime on the pond’s pH
From page 2 here – “Fish and other vertebrates have an average blood pH of 7.4. Fish blood comes into close contact with water (1- or 2-cell separation) as it passes through the blood vessels of the gills and skin. A desirable range for pond water pH would be close to that of fish blood (i.e., 7.0 to 8.0). Fish may become stressed and die if the pH drops below 5 (i.e., acidic runoff) or rises above 10…”
As of 3/18/2020, and a second test on 3/19/2020, the pond water’s pH is 6.2. Doubtful runoff during a rain of the limed area, after it is gently watered in with sprinkling, will impact the pond to create an alkaline condition anywhere near 10.
Application
Set the JD spreader to 5.5 to spread ____ so it will take two passes and the spread will be evener. Spread Dolomitic Limestone Pelletized from AGRI-AFC with 10% magnesium. Loaded 225 lbs. (had a half bag leftover from the past) and made four 10 ft wide passes; i.e an ~ 40-foot wide swath around the southside water’s edge to empty the 255 lbs. Put 100 lbs in and spread it on the 20 ft wide swath next to water.
The 20-foot swath nearest the water that has a pH ranging in the low 5s so applied 40 lbs/1,000 SF. The 20-foot wide swath outside that inside 20-foot got about 20 lbs/1,000 SF. The calculations were as follows.
| L | W | KSF | lbs | lbs/KSF | |
| 40′ out from the water | 266 | 40 | 10.64 | 225 | 21 |
| 2nd pass | 266 | 20 | 5.32 | 100 | 19 |
| Total in 20-ft from water | 40 |
