Improving Water Quality by...

TURNING YARDS INTO LUSH, GREEN, INFILTRATION MACHINES

soil quality restoration

What is Soil Quality Restoration?

Soil quality restoration (SQR) is the process of improving soil health of new or existing lawns. SQR is a natural lawn care method that can help reduce compaction, improve soils with a high clay content, and help with drainage or ponding issues. The process, which uses a combination of aeration and compost, provides nutrients your grass needs without the use of fertilizers and helps the soil become more like “sponge” like so it store more water reducing your need to water and reduces runoff.

– Since the start of the Easter Lake Watershed project we have helped more than 100 watershed residents complete soil quality restoration projects at their homes. These projects have helped reduce more than 5.1 million gallons of stormwater runoff a year.

Why Restore Soil Quality?

When new urban developments are built, grading activities and the removal of topsoil have created poor quality soils that are compacted and low in organic matter. Yards with poor soil quality require more time, money, water, and fertilizer to stay green and maintain a lush appearance.

Problems such as standing water, inability to mow after rainfall, patchy grass, and poor grass establishment are associated with poor soil quality. These soil conditions also contribute to water quality issues by shedding runoff during rainfall events, and by transporting pesticides, sediment, and fertilizer to nearby water bodies.

Soil Quality Restoration reduces compaction, increases pore space in the soil, and improves organic matter content. This improves the heath and functionality of soils. Organic matter gives the landscape the ability to act like a sponge and absorb rain. Soils rich in organic matter also support entire ecosystems of beneficial organisms (microbes, worms, insects) that contribute to healthy lawns.

Soil Quality Restoration in the Easter Lake Watershed

Soil quality restoration is by far the most popular Rainscaping practice used. At about 21 cents a square foot, it is an inexpensive way to have a huge impact on water quality. In just a single year, a soil quality restoration implemented on a typical 1/4 acre lot can reduce thousands of gallons stormwater from running off an individual property.

Soil quality restoration is not only a great way to help minimize stormwater runoff off your property but will also help your lawn be fuller and richer green in color. Organic matter that is restored will provide lawns the nutrients they need without the use of fertilizer. The increased storage capacity in the soil will also mean there is more available water in the soil lessening the need for frequent watering. Less water running off your property can also help to improve drainage and ponding issues you may be experiencing at your home.