ORNAMENTAL HORTICULTURE (2+1)

Soil

• In India, the common lawn grass, Cynodon dactylon (Doob), is very hardy and can be grown in any type of soil. But to obtain a most luxuriant lawn, it is desirable to have a fertile, loamy soil containing enough humus.


• The soil should retain enough moisture and at the same time the drainage should also be adequate.


• The ideal pH range is 5.5 to 6.0. If the pH is very low, about half a kilogram of chalk or grounded limestone should be added per square metre area on a sandy soil or a similar quantity of slaked lime should be added to clayey loam soil. In an alkaline soil, gypsum should be added at the same rate.
  


• At least a depth of 25-30 cm of good soil is required for obtaining a good lawn.