Soil aeration

Aerated grass on a baseball field in New York City.

Plug/core lawn aerator.

Soil aeration is the mechanism of exchange of gases between the atmosphere and soil. A gradient between the atmosphere and soil is created by soil microbial activity and plant root respiration. It may be artificially enhanced by using mechanized or manual equipment to either puncture the soil with spikes (spike aeration) or remove approximately 1 in × 2 in (25 mm × 51 mm) cores of soil from the ground (core aeration). Aeration may be overlooked when trying to restore a lawn but is vital to bring it back to health. It improves drainage and reduces puddles formation.

Spike aeration involves the use of an aeration machine with spikes up to a foot or more in length. It is sometimes used to address drainage issues in areas with turf. Core aeration is done on turf areas as a means of reducing turf compaction, reducing thatch buildup, improving the infiltration of water/nutrients, encouraging deeper roots, and creating an environment where grass seed can have direct contact with the soil.

There are many types of lawn aerators including walk behind models, ride on versions and tractor pulled versions, as well as spiked shoes.

Liquid aeration involves applying a fortified liquid solution to the lawn. The active ingredient, ammonium lauryl sulfate, is commonly found in soap. The solution breaks down dense particles in the soil and loosens it up, creating beneficial airways. Liquid aeration is a more efficient and less stressful way of loosening soil compaction. Liquid aeration, in combination with liquid fertilizers, is more effective at bringing the pH of the soil back into balance when compared to core aeration. Furthermore, the underlying science shows it significantly lowers soil compaction while conserving the health of current turf.