I finally got a reply from my local Extension Office:
Quote:
Reducing the population of weeds in a lawn without the use of
herbicides is a slow, but worthwhile process. There are 5 major
steps:
1. Do a soil test for pH and follow the recommendations to correct, if
necessary. Soil tests are performed at the Cooperative Extension.
2. Increase the level of Compost in your lawn. Compost is
commercially available, but often may be obtained from communities or
local farmers. Insure that the compost is at least one year old and
has been composted at a high temperature to destroy any weed seed.
3. Overseed with grass seed appropriate for your soil and light
conditions. A thick growth of grass will reduce the population of
weeds.
4. Keep it mowed, but at a height of at least 2 1/2" - 3" to encourage
grass growth and to shade out the weeds. Mow frequently so you remove
no more than 1/3 of the growth at one mowing.
5. Dig out the larger weeds by hand.
We do have fact sheets on lawn care, vegetable gardening and
blueberries that we would forward to you. Please request
publications L-27, M-8 and U-51.
Master Gardener Hotline Office
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It all seems logical, though I've heard conflicting advice on point 3. I'll have to overseed half of the lawn, and see which half does better. I hope all their advice is evidence based and has been scientifically tested. The Extension Office is operated by a well-respected university, so I bet it is.