Soil pH meter FAQs: Answering your popular questions on soil acidity
Do you have a question about soil acidity? While you may not realise it, soil acidity and pH significantly impact plant growth. As they affect nutrient availability, not properly maintaining your soil pH can result in poor growth. We answer all your popular questions about soil acidity so you can ensure a healthy, blooming garden.
Understanding Soil pH
How do you explain soil acidity?
Soil acidity is the concentration of hydrogen ions present in the soil. Depending on the concentration of hydrogen ions will affect your soil acidity. A high concentration of hydrogen ions equates to a low pH value (acidic), whereas a low concentration equates to a high pH value (alkaline).
What increases the acidity of soil?
Some factors that can increase soil acidity include using fertilisers, decomposing organic matter, weathering effects, harvesting high-yielding crops, and nitrification of ammonium. Appropriate steps should be taken to increase the soil pH for beneficial plant and crop growth.
Testing Soil pH
What is a soil pH tester?
A Soil pH tester is a small device specifically designed to measure pH soil levels in the garden. Some devices also come with additional readings, including light and moisture. Using a soil pH tester allows us to check whether the growing conditions suit plants.
Discover the benefits of using a soil pH meter.
How do I measure soil pH?
There are different methods for measuring soil pH. A
soil pH meter is the most efficient and reliable method, providing accurate pH readings. You can also use a pH testing solution and litmus paper to measure soil pH roughly.
How to measure the pH of my soil with household products?
You can use a mixture of distilled water and white vinegar. The reaction of the mixture will give a rough estimation of your soil acidity. However, a soil pH meter is a more effective and reliable method.
How can I tell if my soil is too acidic/basic for certain plants?
The best way to determine if your soil is too acidic or basic for certain plants is to use a soil pH meter. This provides an accurate reading of soil pH levels. Most plants thrive in soil pH ranging from 6 to 7. However, some plants prefer slightly acidic or basic pH levels.
Plants best for acidic soil include magnolias, ceanothus, bilberries, and camellias. Plants best for alkaline/basic soil include lily of the valley, phacelia, ornamental clovers, and lavender.
Can I use my soil pH tester to test the pH of my water?
No, soil pH testing devices are not designed to monitor the pH of water. They are typically designed for use in soil only. Exposing the meter’s prongs to water can damage them and affect their ability to monitor pH levels properly.
Soil pH and Plants
What is soil nutrition?
Soil nutrition refers to the soil’s fertility based on the available mineral content. Plants require a variety of different minerals to support their life cycle. Soil nutrients for plants can be split into micro- and macro-nutrients. Macro nutrients are required in large amounts, while micronutrients are only needed in small quantities.
How does soil’s pH affect nutrient availability for crops?
Soil pH has the biggest effect on crop nutrient availability. In acidic soil, aluminium and magnesium are more absorbent and toxic to plants in high quantities. In alkaline soil, phosphorus and beneficial microorganisms are less readily available to benefit crop growth.
Why do some plants grow better in acidic soil?
Some plants grow better in slightly acidic soil. This is because certain plants have adapted to suit more acidic soil conditions in certain areas. Such plants have adapted to efficiently absorb nutrients from acidic soil. Examples of plants include camellias, magnolias, hydrangeas, and azaleas.
Which soil is better for plants to grow: acidic or alkaline?
Most plants prefer a pH level around the neutral range, so you should aim for a pH reading between 6 and 7.5. However, some plants prefer to grow in acidic or alkaline soil. Ensure your soil pH is ideal to ensure optimum nutrient availability.
What grows well in acidic soil?
There are some of the plants that prefer to grow in acidic soil. An ideal pH range for these plants is between 5-6.5. Plants that grow well in acidic soil include:
• Magnolias
• Camellia
• Gardenia
• Hydrangeas
• Azaleas
• Rhododendrons
• Pieris
What grows well in alkaline soil?
Some plants prefer to grow in alkaline soil. An ideal pH range for these plants is between 7.5-9. Plants that grow well in alkaline soil include:
• Lavender
• Berberis
• Clematis
• Lily of the Valley
• Phacelia
• Marjoram
• Honeysuckle
Soil Impacts and pH
What is happening to soil if the pH level lowers?
Soil with a low pH (or acidic) has high hydrogen, aluminium, and iron minerals. The solubility of these minerals also increases, and they can be toxic to plants in high quantities. Highly acidic soil also causes nutrient deficiency of essential nutrients.
How can acidic soil be treated?
Appropriate methods should be used to address acidic soil. Lime is the most effective method for increasing acidic soil pH. Pulverised limestone or dolomite limestone is the fastest way to increase soil pH.
How does acid rain influence soil chemistry?
One effect of acid rain is the acidification of soil and freshwater. Over time, acid rain is thought to release toxic aluminium concentrations in the soil. It also leeches nutrients into the soil, reducing plant fertility.
How to reduce the pH in soil if I have too much lime in it?
If you have increased the soil acidity too much after applying lime, use iron sulfate, aluminium sulfate, or elemental sulfur.
How does soil acidification occur?
Soil acidification occurs when the pH level decreases due to a build-up of hydrogen cations. This typically happens over a long period and results from weathering processes on the soil. Agriculture production also impacts soil acidification.
What happens when soil becomes too acidic?
When soil becomes too acidic, it affects the availability of plant nutrients, such as phosphorous and molybdenum. The higher the acidic level of soil pH, the more toxins within the soil that can harm plants.
What causes a low pH in soil?
Several factors can result in a low soil pH. The biggest factor is the use of chemical fertilisers, especially ammoniacal fertilisers. Other factors that can lower soil pH include leeching processes, weathering effects, acid rain, and water irrigation.
Did we answer all your questions on soil acidity? Properly monitoring and managing your soil pH levels is vital. Otherwise, plants are missing the essential nutrients that help them grow and blossom. Consider trying it and see how much of a difference it makes to your garden.