I have the same problem as the original poster... Loaded with dandelions and clover on 1.5 acres of lawn.
I live in Canada just above North Dakota with a mix of KGB, Creaping Red fescue, and Rye grass. This is my 2nd season of being organic and what brought this on was 6 years ago my 7 year old son was diagnosed with leukemia and while he was on treatment for 4.5 years I completely neglected my chemically treated lawn.
He is now 13 and been off treatment for 2.5 years. Prior to his diagnosis I used 24d to kill the weeds and I'm convinced that May have been what made him sick.
This is what I have been doing for the last 2 seasons...
Mowing at 3"
Watering 1"/week in the hot months
1"/month in spring and fall
Fertilizing with Aggrand Fish emulsion monthly
My soil test came back wit a PH of 7.8 so I have been trying to lower it with sulphur 200lbs/acre twice per year. But I don't think it's coming down? I also hit it with 250lbs/acre of gypsum to release the unavailable nutrients twice per year.
I have my own core aerator so I do that in the fall and spring as well, but not sure how much that is helping as I know that under the 4" of topsoil it's pure clay. I should also mention that my organic matter is a whopping 14.2% Phosphorus 27,Potassium 416,
Magnesium 1468, calcium 4868, sodium 194, c.e.c. is 38.5
The grass is getting waaaay better but I haven't seen a reduction in clover or the dandies. Any suggestions would be immensely appreciated!!!
Thanks
