Message Board - Natural Turf: Aluminium Toxicity
8 Mar 2010 by kevin brown
The effects of aluminium toxicity to be observed are shortening and thickening of the roots. Roots become brown
in colour and branching is reduced . The symptoms of aluminium toxicity are similar to phosphoros or calcium watch out acid boys
8 Mar 2010 by Vic Demain
Good luck!!
8 Mar 2010 by jlawrence
Am I missing something ????
Are you saying that you've been applying Al to your surface ??
Must say it's not something that I've ever knowingly applied to my turf.
Of course there's no bounce, bend your back and put some bloody effort in.
8 Mar 2010 by Eddy21
Kevin
With all due respect I very much doubt that anyone who uses these message boards will be working with soils at such low pH levels that aluminium toxicity would become a problem.
We are hardly managing peat bogs are we?
From previous research that I have done, I believe that Aluminium toxicity would only cause a problem at pH levels of <5.0. Even at a pH level of 5.5 I don't think Al toxicity would be apparent.
Also if you were running this low on the pH scale I feel you would have trouble with other aspects of nutrient availability. Elements such as phosphorous, potassium, calcium and magnesium could be potentially be locked up, as well as lower microbial activity levels within ones soil.
But.....on the other hand from conversations I've had with other industry professionals it is clear to see that good results can be obtained if soils are slightly acidic or slightly alkaline. Most turf species will adapt to their given pH range, environment and generally do pretty well.
The idealistic pH of 6.5 - 7.0 is sometimes pretty hard to achieve and factors such as types of fertiliser applied, irrigation water pH and topdressing all have a big part to play in the overall readings.
Personally I feel that people get a bit giddy when it comes to soil pH readings and soil testing......yes there are idealistic pH readings for nutrient availability that are often stated.....but I also think a lot of scaremongering goes on.....maybe to line peoples pockets?
All the best
DE
Learning is there for every man
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