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Old 24-04-2010, 02:50 AM posted to rec.gardens
David Hare-Scott[_2_] David Hare-Scott[_2_] is offline
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First recorded activity by GardenBanter: Sep 2008
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Default "Potassium Soaps Of Fatty Acids": Safe ?

brooklyn1 wrote:
On Sat, 24 Apr 2010 08:34:38 +1000, "David Hare-Scott"
wrote:

Bob wrote:
Hello,

Lawn is in reasonable shape, but areas of Moss. Live in New
England.

Bought a container of a liquid Moss killer (goes on hose end)that
has as it's (only) active ingredient something called:
Potassium Soaps Of Fatty Acid".

Question: Is it safe if some of the spray gets on healthy grass ?


I would think so but see qualifications further on. It is a kind of
soap. The potassium (in moderation) is a nutrient and the fatty acid
part will biodegrade. Not knowing much about moss I am unsure how it
works. This is only a guess: that it is a way to quickly raise the
pH by applying a soluble substance that is alkaline. In which case
don't overdo it and be careful applying it with limestone as well.

And would also like to ask:

Soil, via a ph test, showed that it is quite acidic.
If I put down the limestone granules, is this also safe on healthy
grass ?


Yes provided that you do not raise the pH above the level that the
grass will grow well in. The assumption with this treatment is that
a pH region exists that is unfavourable to the moss and still
favourable to the grass. What do you mean by quite acid?

Any caveats to it's use, etc. ?

Thanks,
B.


Limestone granules will take some time to work, some months
depending on the size of the granules which influences how fast they
dissolve. Don't be impatient and repeat the dose too soon.

David


Blah, blah, blah...

Anytime a lawn goes to moss it's because it's been totally neglected
for a very long time; hasn't been dethatched, hasn't been aerated,
hasn't been top dressed, hasn't been properly watered, hasn't been
fertilized, hasn't been over seeded, hasn't even been looked at... a
mossy lawn is one owned by a totally useless lazy ******* who will
never, NEVER take any well meaning advice, because number one it costs
money... they are a LAZY USELESS *******S... and CHEAP... oh yes, a
CHEAPO ******* who won't even spend the few bucks to mow more than
twice a season. Anytime anyone asks about how to repair a screwed up
lawn I know it's only about the money, THE MONEY... because anyone
willing to spend the dollars doesn't need to know anything about
lawns, NOTHING... all they gotta do is go to a store that sells lawn
care products and ASK and open their miser wallets, even if they know
all about lawns they still gotta spend the bucks... a well manicured
lawn is ONLY about the lucre... the bigger and better the lawn the
more lucreperiod


Feel better now?

D