Preparing High-Phosphorus Clay Soil for New Sod in Northern Virginia

Question: Sod failed twice. Soil test: very high P, Ca, Mg; high K; sufficient micros; pH 6.3; 9% organic matter. Clay soil. VA recommends lime despite high Ca. Best prep for bluegrass/fescue sod?

Recommendation

pH is fine (6.3). Check yearly, keep 6.2-6.8, but no lime needed now. Thoroughly loosen soil with aerator, then seed (best time for fescue/bluegrass). Seed at 7-10 lbs/1000 sq ft. Use urea (46-0-0) at 50 lbs/acre when grass 2" high, water immediately. Repeat in 2 weeks. Great lawn in <1 month.