A soil amendment is anything that is added directly to the soil to improve the quality of the soil, resulting in healthier and happier plants. Choosing a soil amendment will depend on your current soil type and how you wish to improve the soil quality. Dense, compacted soils that prove difficult to house turf and dry, sandy soil that quickly filter out water are both soil types that require amending. On clay-based soil types, soil amendments can help relieve compacted soil which will improve aeration and drainage, resulting in increased nutrient absorption and reduce watering requirements. On sand-based soil types, soil amendments increase the water and nutrient holding capabilities which reduces unnecessary water runoff, dry soil, and wasted product.

Most soil, regardless if clay- or sand-based, are inadequate and require a soil amendment to improve the quality and become ready to house healthy, thriving turf. These soils are often low in organic matter which is essential in growing healthy plants as it is necessary for water and nutrient retention and can vastly improve soil texture.


BioChar DG™

This organic soil amendment is made from the carbon skeleton of wood, or other organic matter through the process of super heating. BioChar DG™ has millions of molecular bonding sites that hold water, nutrients, microbes, fungi and bacteria and make these more available for plants. BioChar DG™ will last in the soil for decades, helping build the soil profile over time rather than yield in immediate results. You may apply this product at any time throughout the growing season, alongside any other lawncare product, and should be watered in after application. This type of soil amendment can be help aid in germination making it especially beneficial to use during times of seeding.


Humic DG™

The addition of humic acid can benefit any soil type which makes it a great addition to other soil amendments yielding in improved results. Sandy soil types will benefit from humic acid as it increases the water holding capabilities and decreases evaporation. Clay soil types will benefit from loosened compact soil with the presence of humic acid. Humic DG™ consists of 70% fulvic acid, humic acid and humin. Together, they feed beneficial soil microbes which increases nutrient and fertilizer efficiency and absorption. Rather humic acid is used alone or in conjunction with other ingredients, Humic DG™ provides immediate and noticeable benefits to all soil types. The immediate improvement in soil quality reaped from the addition of humic acid makes Humic DG™ a valuable addition to other types of soil amendments. You may apply this product at any time throughout the growing season, alongside any other lawncare product, and should be watered in after application. Best results can be seen when applied in conjunction to a fertilizer application.


HumiChar™

This organic soil amendment is a combination of BioChar DG™ and Humic DG™. When combined into HumiChar™, the biochar adds lasting soil-building qualities that remain present in the soil for decades while the humic acid and DG Technology provide immediate benefits to lawn or garden. You may apply this product at any time throughout the growing season, alongside any other lawncare product, and should be watered in after application. Best results can be seen when applied in conjunction to a fertilizer application. To read more about the differences and benefits of these soil amendments, click here.


Dirt Booster™ Plus

This all-natural compost starter and soil amendment contains microbials, biochar, humic acid, corn distillates and molasses. Full of nutrients and good soil microbes, using Dirt Booster™ Plus will increase soil fertility, organic matter, and nutrient holding capability. Dirt Booster Plus can be used in gardens to create super compost and is safe to apply to all lawns. For more details and how to apply, click here.


NutraLime OP® Hi-Mag Lime

This organic soil amendment quickly adjusts pH levels and neutralizes acidic soils resulting in improved nutrient uptake. NutraLime OP® should be applied when a soil test has indicated that the soil pH level is low or acidic as the presence of lime will raise soil pH and reduce acidity. In addition to fast-acting lime, this product contains calcium and magnesium to further support overall plant health. It is best to apply this product for pH corrections in the spring or fall and should be watered in after application.


NutraSoft OP® Gypsum

This is a fast-acting organic gypsum soil amendment designed to loosen hard-packed clay soils. Gypsum works with calcium and sulfur to remedy compacted soil. This results in deeper root growth and better water penetration and retention. In addition, the high-quality blend of natural deposits in NutraSoft OP® can help repair pet spots and counter act winter salt damage as well as help lower highly alkaline soils. You may apply this product at any time throughout the growing season, alongside any other lawncare product, and should be watered in after application.


Lawnbox® Soil Saver®

This organic soil amendment is designed to improve soil structure and drought tolerance while encouraging deeper root growth and enhancing nutrient uptake. Soil Saver® delivers gypsum, humic acid, calcium and sulfur to your soil, and enhances soil health by stimulating the soil microbials. It is safe for use on all soil and grass types and can be applied as frequently as needed without the risk of burning or damaging your lawn. You may apply this product at any time throughout the growing season, alongside any other lawncare product, and should be watered in after application.


Choosing which soil amendment to apply to your lawn or garden will greatly depend on the current quality the soil that you intend to apply the product to has. While most soil can benefit from the application of a soil amendment, it is best to conduct a soil test before choosing a specific product to avoid unnecessarily applying product or raising or lowering the soil pH beyond a healthy amount. Testing your soil and choosing a soil amendment that aligns best with your lawn or garden will give your soil the ultimate advantage in growing healthy and thriving plants.


If you have additional questions about which soil amendment is best for you, please reach out to customer service by chat, emailing info@andersonshomeandgarden.com or calling 877-474-8262.