Is Your Renovation Program Missing the Most Important Step?

Every renovation focuses on the visible work. Aerating. Topdressing. Overseeding. Applying fertiliser.

Yet many renovation programs still fail to deliver the recovery turf managers expect. The reason often isn’t the renovation itself. It’s what’s happening below the surface.

If the soil is limiting root development, restricting nutrient uptake or holding excess sodium, even the best renovation program will struggle to achieve its full potential.

That’s why soil testing through GTS Analytical should be the starting point.

GTS SoilForm Amendments:
Perfect for use at renovation

While fertilisers often take centre stage during turf renovation, soil chemistry and structure are just as critical to long-term performance. Renovation provides an ideal opportunity to address underlying soil conditions with amendments such as SoilForm Lime, SoilForm Dolomite and SoilForm Gypsum.

At GTS we always come back to one key principle:

The right product only works when it’s backed by the right information.

Why Soil Testing First Matters

Before selecting any amendment, it’s critical to understand what your soil actually needs. Applying lime, dolomite or gypsum without data can lead to:

• Over-correction of soil pH
• Nutrient imbalances
• Reduced turf performance
• Wasted input costs

A GTS Analytical soil test provides insights into:

• Soil pH
• Calcium (Ca) and Magnesium (Mg) levels
• Sodium accumulation
• Cation exchange balance
• Overall nutrient deficiencies

With this data, you can confidently select the amendment that targets the underlying issue rather than guessing.

Understanding Your Options

Each SoilForm amendment is designed to address specific soil constraints, so choosing the right product starts with understanding what your soil test is telling you.

SoilForm Lime: Correcting Acidic Soils

Best suited for

• Low soil pH (acidic conditions)
• Calcium deficiency without magnesium issues

How it works

SoilForm Lime is a soluble, natural limestone product that helps raise soil pH while supplying calcium.

Key benefits

• Adjusts soil pH levels
• Corrects calcium deficiencies
• Improves nutrient uptake efficiency

When to choose SoilForm Lime

If your soil test shows:

• Soil pH below optimal range
• Low calcium levels
• Adequate or high magnesium

SoilForm Dolomite: Balancing Calcium and Magnesium

Best suited for

• Acidic soils with magnesium deficiency
• Situations requiring both Ca and Mg correction

How it works

SoilForm Dolomite supplies both calcium and magnesium carbonates, helping to increase soil pH while correcting dual nutrient deficiencies.

Key benefits

• Raises soil pH
• Corrects both calcium and magnesium levels
• Improves soil structure and nutrient balance
• Rapid dissolution for uniform distribution

When to choose SoilForm Dolomite

If your soil test shows:

• Low soil pH
• Low calcium and magnesium

SoilForm Gypsum: Improving Structure Without Changing Soil pH

Best suited for

• Sodic soils (high sodium levels)
• Soil structure issues (compaction, poor drainage)
• Situations where soil pH adjustment is NOT required

How it works

SoilForm Gypsum is a micronised calcium sulphate that improves soil structure and displaces excess sodium without affecting soil pH.

Key benefits

• Supplies calcium without altering soil pH
• Helps manage sodium accumulation
• Improves soil structure and infiltration
• Supports a healthier rootzone environment

When to choose SoilForm Gypsum

If your soil test shows:

• High sodium levels
• Compacted or poorly structured soils
• Acceptable soil pH levels

Application Considerations

Granule Sizes

SoilForm amendment products are available in both standard granular (SGN 300) and mini granular (SGN 150) formulations, providing greater flexibility across a range of turf renovation programs. The standard granular formulation is well suited to broadacre applications, while the mini granular option is ideal for closely mown surfaces.

Application Rates

Typical application rates for renovations range from:

2.5 kg – 10 kg/100 m²

For best results, start with a GTS Analytical soil test and speak with your local GTS Technical Field Agent to select the right SoilForm amendment for your renovation program.