Soil Quality Restoration (SQR) is the process of improving soil health on new or existing lawns. The process uses aeration, compost, and seed to increase water infiltration and organic matter content. SQR leads to healthier, more functional soils to landscapes that can absorb more rain, shed less runoff, and look better.

You might be interested in an SQR if your lawn is splotchy, or has dead patches. This is very common in newly developed residential areas because of the compaction and poor soil health often found in these areas. Polk County offers cost share up to 75%. If you’re interested please contact us here. 

Grading activities associated with urban development create poor quality soils that are compacted and low in organic matter. Yards with poor soil quality require more time, money, water, and fertilizer to stay green and maintain a lush appearance. Problems such as standing water, inability to mow after rainfall, patchy grass, and poor grass establishment are all associated with poor soil quality. These soil conditions also contribute to water quality issues by shedding runoff during rainfall events; by transporting persticides, sediments, and fertilizers to nearby water bodies, usually to nearby parks and lakes, or into the Mississippi river.

Soil quality restoration reduces compaction by increasing pore space in the soil, and improves the formation of organic matter content. This improves both the health and functionality of soils. Organic matter gives the landscape the ability to act like a sponge and absorb rain, while supporting deep root systems that can detain water that would otherwise become runoff. Soils rich in organic matter also support entire ecosystems of beneficial organisms like microbes, worms, and insects, which all contribute to healthy lawns. 

Identifying Need: 

Poor soil quality often results in lawns with patchy appearance, but can also cause standing water from being compacted and dense.

There are 8 different types of SQRs. The method chosen for your situation is chosen depending on aspects of the ground, as well as whether or not a lawn is bare or has already been established. 

Establishing a New Lawn: 

Restoring your yard to the recommended 8 inches of healthy, de-compacted soils requries a combination of tillage, topsoil, and compost. SQR is best when performed as part of the final landscaping after new construction. 

First, contact Iowa One Call to locate utilities

Next, a deep tillage (4-8 inches) breaks up the compacted soil

Then compost and topsoil are applied and spread to introduce organic matter

The area is then seeded with turf or sod, of which native breeds are suggested because they are accustomed to the large fluctuations of rainfall in Iowa.

Improving Existing Lawns: 

Create healthier soils by adding organic matter to an existing lawn. 

First, contact Iowa One Call to locate utilities

Locate in-ground sprinklers and invisible fences

Mow the lawn down to 2″

Aerate the lawn with a plug or deep-tine aerator. These machines can be rented for DIY use, or contracted out to by company. 

Apply 1/2 – 3/4 inch of compost and spread to increase the organic matter content of the lawn

If needed, apply grass seed to patchy spots with a species that matches the current yard.

Do not use pre-emergent if seeding new grass

SQR should be completed in the spring or fall when temperatures are mild. Applying compost in high temperatures can kill existing grass

Use Quality Compost: 

Quality compost for  SQR is made from yard waste such as grass clippings and leaves. It is best to purchase compost that was made at a reputable facility because they maximize important variables including temperature, moisture, oxygen, and microbial activity to yield high quality compost. 

The proper temperature is essential to destroy weed seeds and pathogenic organisms. The compost is also tested to ensure it is high quality. Good compost contains many beneficial microorganisms. Good compost should be loose and granular, dark colored, and moist. It should also have an earthy smell and be free from debris, rocks, sticks, and trash.

Compost Application:

Compost can be spread on bare ground or over existing lawns in a number of ways, depending on the size of the project. 

-> Pull-behind spreader

-> Walk-behind spreader

-> Pneumatic blower truck

-> Shovel and rake by hand

Establishment Maintenance:

After achieving amazing results like this, it’s important to maintain the SQR. Some maintenance is required for the first 7-10 days while the grass establishes. Below is what to look out for: 

-> Identify areas of thicker compost and pull grass blades through compost layer with a rake

-> Grass should not be completely covered by compost for more than 3 days

-> Overseed areas without turfgrass, and don’t disturb, but water as needed, depending on rainfall

-> Loosen areas of crusted or compacted compost with a rake

-> Temporarily control erosion in steep areas

-> Clean compost off of impervious surfaces (driveways and sidewalks)

-> Avoid walking on or allowing pets on treated area until rainfall has incorporated the compost into the soil profile.

DIY Tips:

You will need: 

Wheel barrow and shovel or a walk-behind or tow-behind manure spreader

Rake or pull-behind attachment

Borrow or rent aerator, walk-behind compost spreader, and wheel barrow if needed

Spread out compost, allowing the tops of the grass to peek through and smoothing out thick spots to prevent killing the grass

Seed in the spring or fall to prevent killing the newly sprouted grass

For more information, please visit

iowastormwater.org

raincampaign.org