Adjusting Soil pH for Centipede Grass in Sandy Florida Soil

My NW Florida centipede lawn (zone 8) has sandy soil with pH 8.0. I was told to lower it to 5.0 with iron sulfate. Is that safe? How do I apply it?

Better Approach: Improve the Soil, Not Just pH

Centipede grass prefers slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0–6.5), not 5.0. Sandy soil lacks fertility, microbial life, and buffering capacity. Drastic chemical pH drops are risky and temporary.

Instead, build a healthy root zone:

• Add quality topsoil ("rich-mix" blends) and compost/manure.
• Organic matter buffers pH naturally and improves water/nutrient retention.
• Topdress weak spots each summer with compost.

If soil improvement fails, consider more tolerant grasses like Bermuda or St. Augustine.