Ironite Warning: Why Soil Testing Beats Blind Iron Application

The Ironite Hazard

Ironite is made from mine tailings from the Iron King copper mine (proposed Superfund site, Humboldt, AZ). Government tests show it qualifies as HAZARDOUS WASTE due to arsenic and lead content. Banned in Canada, Maine, Washington. Still sold at major retailers nationwide.

Label Deception

Marketed as "natural soil supplement and fertilizer." Technically "organic" (contains carbon) but made from recycled industrial waste. Heavy metals remain in topsoil layers – if used on vegetables, they enter food chain.

Why Grass Turns Yellow (Chlorosis) – It's Not Always Iron

• High pH (alkaline soil): Locks up iron – "lime-induced chlorosis"
• Excess phosphates: Block iron absorption
• Weak root system: Compacted soil, excess nitrogen, poor root: shoot ratio
• Pest damage: Chinch bugs, grubs, ants from disrupted soil biology
• Cold temperatures: Temporary seasonal yellowing

The Intelligent Approach

1. SOIL TEST FIRST – always
2. If iron needed: Use natural, gentle sources – NOT Ironite
3. Kentucky bluegrass rule: Only put NICE things in your soil

Diagnostic Resource

North Florida Research Center: "Grass Yellowing: Save Your Greenbacks" – download and diagnose before treating.

Follow-Up: Pennsylvania Context

NW Pennsylvania soils likely HAVE sufficient iron. Yellowing probably from high pH, compaction, or root issues. Soil test will reveal the actual cause – saving money and avoiding toxic products.