What is pH? And why is it important?

pH is very simply the concentration of Hydrogen ions in a solution.  The pH scale is a negative logarithmic scale.

Soil pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a soil is. Here’s a breakdown of what that means and why it’s crucial for soil health:  

• Scale:
• pH is measured on a scale from 0 to 14.  
• 7 is neutral.  
• Below 7 is acidic.  
• Above 7 is alkaline (or basic).  
• Measurement:
• It indicates the concentration of hydrogen ions in the soil.  

Why is pH important in soil health?

Soil pH plays a critical role in several key aspects of soil health:  

• • Nutrient Availability:
    • The pH level significantly affects the solubility and availability of essential plant nutrients.  
    • Many nutrients are most readily available to plants within a specific pH range (generally between 6.0 and 7.5).  
    • If the pH is too high or too low, nutrients can become “locked up” in the soil, making them inaccessible to plants.  
  • Microbial Activity:
    • Soil microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, are vital for nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition.  
    • These organisms thrive within a specific pH range. Extreme pH levels can inhibit their activity, disrupting essential soil processes.  
  • Plant Growth:
    • Different plants have different pH preferences. Some plants prefer acidic soils, while others prefer alkaline soils.  
    • Growing plants in soil with an unsuitable pH can lead to nutrient deficiencies, stunted growth, and increased susceptibility to diseases.  
  • Toxicity:
    • In highly acidic soils, certain elements like aluminum can become more soluble and reach toxic levels, harming plant roots.  
    • Also pH affects the solubility of heavy metals.  
  • Soil Structure:
    • pH can also influence soil structure, which affects water infiltration, drainage, and aeration.
  • Disease Pressure:
    • Certain dieases are more active at different soil pH levels.
    • It is typically accepted that lower pH increase fungal activity.  But this does not always hold true.  
    • For example: Gaeumannomyces graminis or “take-all root rot” is more more prevalent whe soil pH is above a 7.0.

 In essence, soil pH is a “master variable” that influences many chemical, biological, and physical processes in the soil.  Maintaining an optimal pH level is essential for healthy soil and productive plant growth.  When is the last time you had your soil pH tested?  Weedsie offers free soil testing for customers.  Schedule a free soil test today and let’s determine if your soil pH is out of balance.