Gypsum

[Greeves]

Hello,
I live in Dallas and my lawn has compacted black clay soil. I have been using organic fertilizer on it for 10 years. I read that adding gypsum will help to loosen the soil. Does this work? If so what is the recommended appication rate? Thanks.

[Dchall_San_Antonio]

Sometimes gypsum works in acidic soils. Is your acidic?

How much do you water and how often? Barring heavy traffic, you should be able to control compaction with water and the generation of deep roots on your grass.

[Greeves]

Hello,

The soil is slightly acidic (7.4), I have been watering infrequently at about an inch of water per week in the Summer. Traffic is not a problem. The problem areas are where the sprinkers do not have good coverage. This year I am going to try watering with soaker hoses for deeper watering and less waste.

Thanks.
Gary Reeves

[Dchall_San_Antonio]

Your soil is alkaline (very slightly), not acidic. That is very typical for Texas soils.

I think you're on the right track with the soaker hose. Deep watering should allow your grass roots to penetrate deep into the soil and loosen it.