Soil Fungus?

Question: I'm having new Tahoma 31 Bermuda grass installed the end of the month.  While my landscaper has been digging up my yard, he's finding something white in the soil.  It's all over both the front and back yards.  For the past few years, my grass has looked horrible, so I've decided to xeriscape.  Two of my neighbors across the street are having the same problem with their grass.  Not sure if theirs is full of this white stuff though because they having started digging it up. It almost looks like ash.  I'd really like to get it tested.

responder: Dawn Fradkin  Replied May 10, 2023, 5:36 PM EDT
response: Hi Loree, Thanks for reaching out to Ask Extension about your soil and thank you for the pictures also! I would definitely recommend getting a soil test done to figure out what the white substance is. It is difficult to tell from the photos if this would be a fungus or if it's an accumulation of salts or if it is something else, like a bentonite clay that you may have.  The CSU Soil Testing Lab is now open at the CSU Spur campus in Denver. You can find the details on how to submit a sample on their website. They have just moved into their new location and they are taking around 3 weeks with their samples.You can also receive quick and affordable soil testing from: • Weld Labs in Greeley: https://weldlabs.com/ag-soil/ • Ward Labs in Kearny, NE: https://www.wardlab.com/services/soil-health-analysis/ Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to submit a sample: https://www.wardlab.com/submit-a-sample/soil-health-analysis/traditional-sampling-procedure/ You don’t need a special container to send in a soil sample. You can use plastic bags or something similar. Click here to learn more about how to take a quality sample. I hope this helps, please let me know if you have any other questions. You can also email the Arapahoe County Extension office at <personal data hidden>. Thanks, Dawn

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 10, 2023, 7:09 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much. I know I do have clay, but my landscaper really didn't think that's what it is.  We'll see!  Thank you.     From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Wednesday, May 10, 2023 3:36 PM To: Loree Kay Schauer <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Soil Fungus? (#0099203)

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 21, 2023, 7:30 PM EDT
response: Thank you for you time.  I took my soil and paperwork to the CSU Spur Campus on 5/15/23.  The paperwork I filled out was for testing the nutrients in the soil and I didn't realize that wasn't what I needed! The person at the front desk straightened me out when I told her my problem.  She called a peer in who took my sample and incorrect paperwork.  She said they'd see what the fungus is and give me guidance for mitigation.  Unfortunately I didn't get any names!  I'd really like to find out when I'll get some information because my new sod will be available in 1-2 weeks.  I've emailed <personal data hidden>, last week but haven't heard back.  I'm hoping maybe you can help.  Since she took my soil sample with incorrect paperwork, I'd like to know it wasn't all misplaced.  Can you help me?  Thank you so much,   Loree Schauer <personal data hidden>   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Wednesday, May 10, 2023 3:36 PM To: Loree Kay Schauer <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Soil Fungus? (#0099203)

responder: Dawn Fradkin  Replied May 23, 2023, 12:29 PM EDT
response: Hi Loree, I am not sure who you spoke with, but here are some contacts for you: For the plant lab: Clinic Director Ana Cristina Fuladolsa, Ph.D. Plant Diagnostician Matías Reynoso, M.S. Email: <personal data hidden> Voice: <personal data hidden> For the soil testing lab:  Director is Wilma Trujillo at <personal data hidden>  Hope this helps! Dawn