Importance of plant soil pH

importance of pH in soils

PH stands for 'hydrogen potential' and is a measure of the ratio of hydrogen ions (H +) to hydroxyl ions (OH-), in other words, a soil pH value is a measure of the concentration of ions retained by soil particles and organic matter.

The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with the pH 7 neutral. Readings below 7.0 indicate that the soil is "acidic" and readings above 7.0 indicate "alkaline" soil conditions.

Why is pH important?

Most plants can tolerate a wide range of pH in solution culture, but cannot tolerate a wide range of acidity in soil.

Most plants can tolerate a wide pH range in solution culture, but cannot tolerate a wide range of acidity in the soil.

When the acidity of the soil changes, the solubility of various metal ions also changes. Plant growth is really affected by the variable concentration of these metals in solution, rather than by the acidity itself.

Soil pH is important, because it influences several soil factors that affect plant growth.

These are:

Soil bacteria

The bacterial activity that releases nitrogen from organic matter and certain fertilizers is particularly affected by the pH of the soil, since bacteria work best in the pH range of 5.5 to 7.0.

Nutrient leaching

Plant nutrients leach out of soils with a pH below 5.0 much more quickly than soils with values ​​between 5.0 and 7.5.

Nutrient availability

Plant nutrients are generally most available to plants in the pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.

Toxic elements

Aluminum can become toxic to plant growth in certain soils with a pH below 5.0.

Soil structure

Soil structure, especially clay, is affected by pH. In the optimal pH range (5.5 to 7.0), clay soils are granular and easy to workWhereas if the soil pH is extremely acidic or extremely alkaline, clays tend to become sticky and difficult to grow.

A soil pH test will indicate whether your soil will produce good plant growth or whether it will need to be treated to adjust the pH level. For most plants, the optimal pH range is 5.5 to 7.0, but in some cases, certain plants will grow in more acidic soils or require a more alkaline level.

Soil pH test

Soil pH can become unbalanced for various reasons, such as Continued use of inorganic fertilizers will make the soil more acidic.

Soil test kits are available at many garden stores, they include test tubes and a chemical solution to mix with the soil. The easiest method is to use a pH sensor.

Because the soil is semi-solidThe best sensors have a spear-shaped glass, which allows users to pierce the ground surface without breaking the probe.

Another way to measure pH is to extract the soil chemistry into a water solution. You mix the soil with water in a 1: 1 ratio, to allow measurement of a liquid sample using a standard pH electrode.

Adjust soil pH

How to adjust soil pH

Acidic soils are modified with lime: to raise the pH of the soil and sweeten or make the soil alkaline. Look at the results of your soil test to determine if you need calcite or dolomitic lime.

Calcite calcite

It is extracted from natural limestone deposits and it is crushed or ground to obtain a fine powder. It is also called agricultural lime.

Dolomitic lime

It is obtained in a similar way, but from limestone sources that contain calcium and magnesium.

If you need to lower the pH of the alkaline soil to the acid range, changes to elemental sulfur or aluminum sulfate.

Elemental sulfur

It is applied to the garden, and it is finally oxidized by the microbes in the soil. It takes a few months to adjust the pH.

Aluminum sulfate: produces a rapid change in soil pH.


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