Question
Ironite was recommended by the guy who aerated my lawn this past fall. Due to the Very rocky soil and gray clay just below the topsoil imported into this new neighborhood, it's very hard to get a decent grass stand. I've also been told to alternate lime and high pH fertilizer with the ironite on a monthly basis. After reading the negative information about ironite, I'm wondering if it's the right treatment. Here in  southern Cabarrus Co. next door to Stanley Co., NC you can't dig more than a couple of inches without running into "Carolina shale." This neighborhood is built on what was a horse farm. There are boulders of the shale as well as quartz. If it means anything to you, this area was where the first gold mine was discovered (in America if I'm not mistaken, certainly in NC.) I understand that's one reason the quartz is so prevalent. I appreciate your comments, and yes we did have the soil tested. Supposedly our soil is deficient in everything--no nutrients.

Answer
Hi Robert, I grew up near Charlotte and we owned property on the Rocky River in Cabarrus Co. at one time. I remember the quartz and even seeing gold flecks in some of the creeks I use to play in.  First, Ironite is not the same product that it was a couple of years ago.  Don't be afraid to use it.  It's a good supplement for additional iron and sulfur but it will lower your pH and keeping your pH at 6.5 is critical for good turf production. Check your pH.  Since it sounds like you don't have much grass, apply enough lime to raise it to 6.5 or Ironite to lower if you need to.  Grasses are heavy feeders, but bermuda needs more fertilizer and care than zoysia which needs more than fescue, so your grass type will determine how much and when to fertilize.  
Use a fertilizer that is roughly a 7-1-1 ratio, 28-4-4 or something close.  It doesn't have to be exact.  For fescue, just twice a year, spring and fall, never in the summer.  For bermuda, monthly April to October and bi-monthly for Zoysia April to October.
The looser the soil, the quicker the turf matures.  Consider renting a core aerator if your soil is compacted.  It will really help your turf.  Jim