Adjusting Soil pH
Mineral soil pH values between 6.0 and 7.0 result in the greatest number of mineral elements to be available for uptake by plants. Several plants such as certain conifers, most broadleaf evergreens, maples, oaks, sourgum, and sweetgum should be grown in acidic soils with a pH from 5.5 to 6.0. Other plants such as viburnum, hydrangea, and lilac grow best at neutral (7.0) to slightly alkaline soil pH values. In most situations, mineral element deficiencies can be avoided by proper soil pH management.
When the pH of a mineral soil drops below 4.5, aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) are very soluble. When this occurs, these elements are absorbed in large quantities and may become toxic to certain plants, while nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and/or magnesium (Mg) may become limiting for plant growth.
As the soil pH increases, ions of Al, Fe, and Mn precipitate (settle out of the soil solution) and the availability of these elements decreases to a point where nutrients may become deficient for normal plant growth.
It becomes evident that a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is generally desirable, although slight adjustments are needed for specific plants. A soil test will indicate the amount of lime needed to increase the pH of acidic soils or the amount of sulfur needed to lower pH of alkaline soils.
SOLVER CHEM
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