Soil Test
Soil Indicator: Soil pH (Important indicator for soil) In science, pH is simply defined as the negative logarithm of the “hydrogen ion concentration.” The pH scale has a range starting from 0 – 14, with pH 7 as the neutral point lying at the mid-point of the scale. From 7 – 0, towards left side acidity increases & from 7 – 14 on right side alkalinity increases. pH for soil is an important factor that gives us crucial information about soil health, the number of nutrients, minerals, and the growth of the plant. Measurement of soil pH is done by the pH meter. The soil becomes acidic when elements like calcium magnesium and potassium present soil are replaced by H+ ions i.e. when the concentration of H+ ions increases in the soil above the desired level. Factors that increase the acidity of the soil. 1) By leaching away the basic ions present in the soil due to rainwater. 2) Mixing carbon dioxide as a result of decomposition of organic matter in the soil. 3) By formation of strong organic and inorganic acids like Nitric acid & Sulphuric acid due to decaying of organic matter Soil pH has a great influence on the availability of nutrients to crops. It also affects the microbial population in soils, as most nutrient elements are available in the pH range of 5.5 – 6.5. The plant never uses the available nutrients directly from the soil, before a nutrient can be used by plants it must be dissolved in the soil solution. Generally, nutrients and minerals are more readily available and soluble in acidic soils as compare to neutral or mildly alkaline soils. For example, Phosphorus is not readily soluble in soil but easily available in the soil with a pH range of approximately 6.5. Also strongly acidic soil with pH value (4.0 – 5.0) containing soluble iron and aluminum, which are toxic for the growth of some particular crops. But some plants blueberries, sweet potatoes, and conifer trees grow well in slightly acidic soil. https://missionriev.in/index.php/Home/Soil_Test
Soil Indicator: Soil pH (Important indicator for soil)
In science, pH is simply defined as the negative logarithm of the “hydrogen ion concentration.” The pH scale has a range starting from 0 – 14, with pH 7 as the neutral point lying at the mid-point of the scale. From 7 – 0, towards left side acidity increases & from 7 – 14 on right side alkalinity increases. pH for soil is an important factor that gives us crucial information about soil health, the number of nutrients, minerals, and the growth of the plant. Measurement of soil pH is done by the pH meter.
The soil becomes acidic when elements like calcium magnesium and potassium present soil are replaced by H+ ions i.e. when the concentration of H+ ions increases in the soil above the desired level.
Factors that increase the acidity of the soil.
1) By leaching away the basic ions present in the soil due to rainwater.
2) Mixing carbon dioxide as a result of decomposition of organic matter in the soil.
3) By formation of strong organic and inorganic acids like Nitric acid & Sulphuric acid due to decaying of organic matter
Soil pH has a great influence on the availability of nutrients to crops. It also affects the microbial population in soils, as most nutrient elements are available in the pH range of 5.5 – 6.5.
The plant never uses the available nutrients directly from the soil, before a nutrient can be used by plants it must be dissolved in the soil solution. Generally, nutrients and minerals are more readily available and soluble in acidic soils as compare to neutral or mildly alkaline soils.
For example, Phosphorus is not readily soluble in soil but easily available in the soil with a pH range of approximately 6.5. Also strongly acidic soil with pH value (4.0 – 5.0) containing soluble iron and aluminum, which are toxic for the growth of some particular crops. But some plants blueberries, sweet potatoes, and conifer trees grow well in slightly acidic soil.
https://missionriev.in/index.php/Home/Soil_Test
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