“The grass in your front lawn is, biologically speaking, related to the grasses animals eat on farms and ranches,” says Joseph Heckman, a professor at Rutgers University. “That grass, by itself, can grow just fine, with no human help. But, Americans like to manage their lawns. Sometimes this is fine; sometimes it leads to unhealthy soil, fertilizer getting in watersheds, and other possible side effects. How can you minimize those?”
Heckman details several steps homeowners can take with their lawns:1. Mulch the clippings when you mow and leave them in place. This follows “the law of return” prevalent in nature.2. If you have too many clippings, start a compost pile. 3. Encourage biodiversity in your lawn. A few clovers and dandelions are actually good for the soil.4. Make sure your soil is well-aerated.
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The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) is a progressive international scientific society that fosters the transfer of knowledge and practices to sustain global soils. Based in Madison, WI, and founded in 1936, SSSA is the professional home for 6,000+ members and 1,000+ certified professionals dedicated to advancing the field of soil science. The Society provides information about soils in relation to crop production, environmental quality, ecosystem sustainability, bioremediation, waste management, recycling, and wise land use.
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