What is this stuff?

crownvick – posted 30 July 2002 10:54

Have been battling this stuff for more than ten years in my lawn in Albuquerque. This stuff is like gray concrete powder, growing in the soil of my grass. It does not allow water to reach the roots of the grass. Ergo, dead grass and hard, dry soil due to lack of water. When I expose some of the affected bare soil to water, the water just sits on top of it and won’t soak through. I use fungicides to control it (works sometimes), as well as treating the lawn with clorox, but with rains or fertilization the stuff spreads like fire. Does anyone know what this is and how to kill it?

wdrake – posted 30 July 2002 13:01

Interesting (although I’m sure you use other descriptors) problem. I have no idea what you have. Only things that come to mind are excessive thatch, ground pearls, or algae; however, none of these truly fit the description you gave. Is it possible the “gray concrete powder” is super-dehydrated soil? Best recommendation is to contact you local cooperative extension office for help. You can find them at:http://www.cahe.nmsu.edu/county/

How/why do use Clorox on your lawn?

frenchman – posted 30 July 2002 22:00

More likely it’s algae. Put down some juntions or some other type of chemicals for algae and your problem should be solved

wdrake – posted 09 August 2002 20:50

How/why do use Clorox on your lawn?

Artemis – posted 12 August 2002 22:30

I am willing to wager that what you have is a form of fungi. There are many kinds out there and they can have the effect of rendering your ground very impermiable to water.

The questions I have regarding it are:1) Do you notice any kind of distinct “mold-like” smell with this stuff? If so, you are going to have to find a fungicide that will work on it, or take other drastic actions.

2) How deep into the soil does it appear to spread? It may be possible to “bury” it under soil and restart your lawn on top of it.

3) Do you notice it anywhere other than your lawn? IE flower beds, etc. Depending on the area it covers, that may determine how easy it will be to deal with it.

Definitely check with a county agency on it. You may be able to get some form of assistance in controlling it.