Does lawn require lime?

Hi Gerry, Having problems trying to grow a new lawn it was planted last august and has not grown very well, patchy and yellow. Tried putting some 10-10-20 fertilizer on it but made no difference. Raked in some multi purpose compost from woodies in two areas and the grass has visable improved in a week. What is in the compost thats has improved the grass is it lime ??