[macleod52]

So I've noticed that behind the storm drain on the street that there is a decent sized thinning area that appears dead and black. Does anyone have any idea what's going on here? Is it just a bunch of weeds and no grass and that's why it appears black (just the soil I'm seeing)? The neighbor across the street has a similar thing happening in their yard. I didn't know if the rust is changing the composition of the soil or if it's simply just a bunch of weeds and no grass there.

 

[iowa jim]

I am not a expert but could it be from the snow piling up. If so there is probably some road salt in there to.There is a thing called snow mold that happens this time of year. good luck.

 

[macleod52]

That's what I thought too, initially, but this is the only spot that is like that. Same with the neighbors yard.

 

[JohnP]

Just driving through to say "Wooh! Iowa!!"

 

[Ridgerunner]

You could probably identify the culprit (toxic nutrient, Al, salt etc.) with a comprehensive soil test. However, in the end, the most likely remedial solution will be to remove the contaminated soil and replace it. Might as well cut to the chase and save the money on a soil test and just replace the soil. As the problem is likely something leaching from the grate, you'll want to take care of that before replacing the soil. Wire brush it and paint it. I like pink.

 

[DanTheMan]

I'm going to guess that the temperature variations of the steel on the grate froze the ground to temps way colder than what the grass can make it through. I would spot seed it if it was me. Hope this helps.