Offsetting Road Salt/High Sodium Levels in Turf and Ornamentals

Even though we have only seen a small amount of snow this winter, there is still time for more snow before winter ends. With that in mind, let’s talk about offsetting road salt/high sodium levels in turf and ornamentals.

Bushes in foreground were not treated.

Maintaining healthy turf and ornamental beds that are close to parking lots and roads can be difficult when ice melt and road salt are used in the winter. Using road salt and ice melt can cause the amounts of sodium and chlorine in the soil to reach levels that are harmful or even toxic. Irrigation water can also add sodium, chlorine, and bicarbonates to the soil, which are damaging to all types of plants and the soil itself.

Some of the adverse effects of elevated sodium, bicarbonates and chlorides are:

• Reduced soil structure, 
• Soil dehydration 
• Reduction of plant-available water, 
• Availability reduction of beneficial plant nutrients. 
• Surface crusting effect of soils (creates a barrier barring water and air to infiltrate the soil) 

Overall, turf and ornamental beds close to roads and walkways with road salt and ice melt on them produce weaker, thinner plants, with less color and density. How can this problem be combated? Use this schedule:

SuperCal SO4 

• 10 lbs/1,000 sq ft as soon as the snow melts

Foliar-Pak BioDrive or Foliar-Pak Promote 

• 9 oz/1,000 sq ft or 6 oz/1,000 sq ft before spring green-up

Foliar-Pak BioDrive or Foliar-Pak Promote 

• 9 oz/1,000 sq ft or 6 oz/1,000 sq ft 30 days after 1st application