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Soil pH vs. Nutrients 

Soil pH vs. Nutrients . By: Becky McGuire. What is soil pH?. a.      soils contain acids and bases b.      pH scale indicates acid and base c.      pH scale ranges from 0 - 14 d.      below 7 = acid/sour e.      above 7 = basic/alkaline f. equals 7 = neutral. Optimum soil level.

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Soil pH vs. Nutrients 

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  1. Soil pH vs. Nutrients  By: Becky McGuire

  2. What is soil pH? • a.      soils contain acids and bases • b.      pH scale indicates acid and base • c.      pH scale ranges from 0 - 14 • d.      below 7 = acid/sour • e.      above 7 = basic/alkaline f. equals 7 = neutral

  3. Optimum soil level • a.      most plants like soils in the range of 5.5 - 6.5 • b.      lime (limestone) raises pH (reduces acidity) • plants that like acid soils = blueberries, azaleas, rhododendrens

  4. Causes of acid soils • a.      as nutrients are removed from soil (erosion, leaching, crop removal), they are replaced by soil acids • b.      acid forming fertilizers (salts) • c.      nitrification

  5. Adjusting soil pH • a.      make adjustments on soil tests • b.      lime raises pH, neutralizes soil acids c. pH lowered by applying sulfur, iron, aluminum sulfate

  6. Desired pH ranges for selected plants • a. alfalfa 6.6 - 7 • b. corn 6.1 - 6.5 • c. grasses 6.1 - 6.5 • d. peppers 5.6 - 6.0

  7.    Lime sources • a.      crushed limestone is most common and economical • b.      contains Ca and Mg

  8. Functions of lime • 1.      raises pH • 2.      improves availability of nutrients • 3.      increases effectiveness of applied N, P, K • 4.      increases activity of microorganisms • improves plant growth and crop yields

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