Why does soil pH matter?

Soil pH is an important factor that influences the growth and health of plants. Soil pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the soil, and it is measured on a scale from 0 to 14. The ideal pH range for most plants is between 6.0 and 7.0, which is considered slightly acidic. Plants that prefer more acidic soil require a lower pH, while those that prefer alkaline soil need a higher pH.

➡ 𝑵𝒖𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒗𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚:

Soil pH affects the availability of essential plant nutrients. Most plant nutrients are available in the soil at pH values between 6.0 and 7.5. At higher or lower pH values, some nutrients become less available to plants. For example, at low pH values, aluminum and manganese can become toxic to plants, while at high pH values, iron, phosphorus, and zinc can become less available.

➡ 𝑴𝒊𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒃𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒕𝒚:

Soil pH affects the activity of microorganisms in the soil, which can impact soil fertility, nutrient cycling, and disease suppression. Different microorganisms grow best in different pH ranges, and some microorganisms are better at cycling nutrients or stopping disease at certain pH levels.

➡ 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉:

soil pH affects the growth and health of plants directly. Some plants prefer acidic soil, while others prefer alkaline soil. For example, blueberries, azaleas, and rhododendrons prefer acidic soil, while beets, broccoli, and spinach prefer alkaline soil. If the soil pH is not suitable for the plant, the plant may have stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and other symptoms of nutrient deficiency.

➡ 𝑺𝒐𝒊𝒍 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆:

Soil pH affects soil structure and stability. At low pH values, soil particles can become destabilized, leading to soil erosion and reduced water-holding capacity. At high pH values, soil can become compacted and hard, which can reduce root growth and limit water infiltration.

𝙁𝙤𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝𝙮 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙩𝙝 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙥𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙡 𝙨𝙤𝙞𝙡 𝙛𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣, 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙘𝙧𝙪𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙞𝙡 𝙥𝙃 𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙧 𝙡𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡.

Credit: Jagdish Patel