The Greening Effect
Iron is critical for chlorophyll production in plants, the pigment responsible for their green colour. Applying iron sulphate to your lawn catalyses this process, leading to a lush, verdant appearance. For an immediate greening effect, mix iron sulphate with water at a rate of 50 to 150 grams per 100 square meters of lawn, ensuring adequate moisture is present to avoid damage to the grass.
Strengthening and Hardening
Beyond aesthetics, iron sulphate fortifies your lawn, enhancing its resilience against environmental stressors like drought and frost. This strengthening effect is particularly beneficial in combating diseases such as red thread and fusarium, common afflictions in weaker turf. Increasing the concentration to 150 to 200 grams per 100 square meters not only greens the grass but also hardens the turf, making it more resistant to disease and fungal attacks, a practice common in maintaining sports turf during the cooler months.
Moss and Weed Control
One of the hallmark benefits of iron sulphate is its efficacy in moss and weed control. By altering the soil's acidity, iron sulphate creates an inhospitable environment for these unwanted guests. For moss, a higher concentration of 400 to 500 grams per 100 square meters can blacken and effectively kill moss, especially under cool, wet conditions.
Application Insights
Application methods vary depending on the form of iron sulphate you're using. It can be mixed with lawn sand or fertilizer, applied through a watering can or a knapsack sprayer for larger areas. The recommended application rates are 70g per m² for sand mixes and 30g per m² when mixed with fertilizer. For a soluble powder form, the standard rate is 2-4g per m², which can be adjusted based on the specific needs of your lawn.
Cautions and Considerations
While iron sulphate is a boon for lawn care, it's crucial to apply it carefully to avoid staining hard surfaces or causing damage to the turf through over-application. Always ensure the ground is moist but not waterlogged when applying, and avoid treatment during hot, sunny weather to prevent scorching the grass.
For those seeking to incorporate iron sulphate into their lawn care regimen, products like the Premium Iron Sulphate Lawn Tonic/Lawn Conditioner from Amazon offer a convenient solution, providing easy-to-use, soluble powder formulations suitable for a variety of applications.