Adding protein to lawns.? I have be reading that spreading mushroom compost on my lawn...
I have be reading that spreading mushroom compost on my lawn is not conscientious to the lawn within certain be because it has be sterilized. THere are no nematodes. I've read that by adding protein to the sward will feed the already existing nedatodes but can't seem to be to find out what the protein source should be. Any ideas?
Answers: You're correct roughly mushroom compost...it contains little beneficial value to soils. You'd be better sour adding regular compost to your grass since it contains beneficial bacteria and fungi that help improve soils and also assistance utilize available nutrients in the soil. The natural fraction found in compost act as a food source for the bacteria and fungi (also referred to as microbes).
Beneficial nematodes you're referring to, prey on these microbes and fungi...thereby making nutrients more readily available for the roots to involve. It coincidental that as microbial populations increase, nematode populations will also.
Beneficial bacteria and fungi are also agreed to help loosen sturdy soils by forming small aggregates...which then overt up pore spaces in the soil...accordingly allowing oxygen and water to creep into more easily. The roots of plants will know how to move more freely through the soil profile and you'll in turn, see in good health plants above ground. You'll also begin to see earthworms as soils become "healthier".
Microbes will also oblige prevent diseases from becoming established because they congregate around the roots of plants and protect them. As your turf becomes denser, you'll see smaller number weeds germinate.
You can help boost microbial entertainment. by adding humic tart...which acts as a food source for microbes. I would not recommend tallying any sugar compounds to your lawn since they tend to promote water-borne diseases.
Another product you may want to consider is deep-sea kelp since it contains cytokinins ...which are known to assistance increase root formation.
Note: The best way to apply compost to your existing meadow is by aerifying...raking up the plugs (dispose them) and afterwards broadcasting the compost throughout your lawn. You can later use a push broom to fill those holes beside compost. If you don't want to aerify, you can simply broadcast compost (about 1 cubic yard of compost to 1,000 sq. ft of lawn) evenly over your entire prairie and then irrigate now.
Two more things to be aware of when trying to grow healthy turf;
1) Always construct sure the compost you use has be thoroughly composted...this will eliminate any weed seed or pathogens. Good compost has an "earthy smell"...and SHOULD NOT smell rotten. You can glibly find bagged compost at most hardware/nursery stores. IF you require larger amounts...at hand are some compost companies that sell direct to homeowners.
2) Make sure the pH of your soil is between 6.2 to 7.0...most fighting fit lawns are found to be around a pH of 6.7.
IF you require futher information, please feel free to contact me directly. I hope you found this information adjectives and it helps solve your problem. GOOD LUCK!
-Certified Professional Crop Consultant near over 30 years of experience and a Degree in Plant Science
Grubs and other insect larva. Really, though, I think it is a silly belief to want to feed your nematodes. There is adequate stuff in the soil for them.