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11 February 2025

The Impact of Soil pH on Nutrient Availability – How to Regulate It?

green plant on brown soil

Soil pH plays a crucial role in plant health and crop productivity by influencing nutrient availability. Understanding how soil pH affects nutrient absorption and learning how to regulate it can help farmers and gardeners optimize soil conditions for better yields.

1. What is Soil pH?

Soil pH is a measure of soil acidity or alkalinity, ranging from 0 to 14:

  • Acidic soil (pH < 7) – Common in regions with high rainfall, often leading to nutrient leaching.

  • Neutral soil (pH ~7) – Ideal for most crops, ensuring balanced nutrient availability.

  • Alkaline soil (pH > 7) – Often found in arid areas, potentially leading to micronutrient deficiencies.

 

2. How Soil pH Affects Nutrient Availability

Soil pH influences how well plants can absorb essential nutrients:

  • Macronutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) – Best absorbed at neutral to slightly acidic pH.

  • Micronutrients (Iron, Zinc, Manganese, Copper) – More available in acidic soils but less accessible in alkaline conditions.

  • Calcium and Magnesium – More soluble in alkaline soils but may be deficient in acidic soils.

 

3. How to Test Soil pH

Regular soil testing is essential for maintaining optimal pH levels. You can:

  • Use pH test kits or electronic meters.

  • Send soil samples to a laboratory for a detailed analysis.

  • Observe plant symptoms – yellowing leaves may indicate pH-related nutrient deficiencies.

 

4. How to Adjust Soil pH

Lowering Soil pH (Making Soil More Acidic)

  • Apply elemental sulfur or aluminum sulfate.

  • Use organic matter like peat moss or composted pine needles.

  • Choose acidifying fertilizers, such as ammonium sulfate.

 

Raising Soil pH (Making Soil More Alkaline)

  • Apply agricultural lime (calcium carbonate) or dolomitic lime.

  • Use wood ash in moderation to increase alkalinity.

  • Improve drainage and aeration in compacted acidic soils.

 

5. Best Practices for Managing Soil pH

  • Monitor pH annually – Regular testing ensures timely adjustments.

  • Apply amendments gradually – Sudden changes can disrupt soil biology.

  • Incorporate organic matter – Helps buffer pH fluctuations and improve nutrient retention.

  • Select crops suited to soil pH – Some plants thrive in acidic soils (e.g., blueberries), while others prefer alkaline conditions (e.g., asparagus).

 

6. Conclusion

Maintaining the right soil pH is essential for nutrient availability and overall plant health. By testing soil regularly and making necessary adjustments, farmers and gardeners can create optimal growing conditions and improve crop yields sustainably.

 

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