If a Florida lawn shows iron deficiency symptoms, which corrective action is appropriate?

• A. Adjust soil pH or apply iron chelate.
• B. Apply phosphorus fertilizer only.
• C. Increase potassium levels only.
• D. Remove topsoil and replace.

Answer: (A)

Iron deficiency symptoms on Florida lawns are usually due to iron chlorosis caused by alkaline soils that make iron insoluble and unavailable to roots. The most effective fix is to either lower the soil pH or supply iron in a form the plant can use despite the pH, such as iron chelate. Lowering soil pH increases natural iron availability, while applying iron chelate provides a soluble, readily absorbed source of iron that helps greens up the turf quickly. Simply adding phosphorus or potassium doesn’t address the iron availability problem and won’t relieve chlorosis. Removing topsoil is unnecessary and disruptive. So, adjusting soil pH or applying iron chelate is the appropriate corrective action.