Long-term correction for iron deficiency in turf is to

• A. Lower the pH of the soil.
• B. Apply iron-containing fertilizer.
• C. Increase watering.
• D. Add phosphorus.

Answer: (A)

Iron availability for turf is governed by soil pH. In higher (alkaline) pH soils, iron becomes insoluble and unavailable to roots, so even if iron is present, the plant can’t take it up. Long-term correction focuses on lowering the soil pH to a level where iron stays in a soluble form that roots can absorb, typically achieved with acidifying amendments (like sulfur or acidifying fertilizers) and careful soil management.

Adding iron in a fertilizer can help temporarily, but if the soil stays alkaline, the iron will quickly become unavailable again. Increasing watering doesn’t resolve the core issue, since the problem is iron solubility, not water supply. Adding phosphorus can interact with iron in some soils and isn’t a remedy for iron deficiency; it may even worsen iron availability under certain pH conditions.