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lalala_land89
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How is soil pH affected by soil texture?
any sites would be helpful alot.
any sites would be helpful alot.
lalala_land89 said:How is soil pH affected by soil texture?
any sites would be helpful alot.
http://gardening.about.com/od/gardenprimer/g/pH.htm
Technically, pH is a gauge of the hydrogen-ion concentration in the soil.
Soil texture refers to the size of the soil particles.
Soil texture refers to the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay particles in a soil. These particles have different surface charges and can hold onto different amounts of nutrients and other compounds, including hydrogen ions. Therefore, soils with different textures will have varying levels of acidity or alkalinity, which impact the soil pH.
Generally, soils with higher clay content tend to have a higher pH, as clay particles have a higher capacity to hold onto positively charged ions, such as calcium and magnesium, which help to neutralize acidity. However, this can vary depending on other factors such as the type of clay and the presence of other minerals.
Soil pH plays a crucial role in plant growth as it affects the availability of essential nutrients to plants. Most plants thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 5.5-7), as this is when nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are most available for uptake. When soil pH is too high or too low, certain nutrients may become less available, leading to nutrient deficiencies and stunted plant growth.
Soil pH can be measured using a pH meter or soil test kit, which can be purchased at most gardening or hardware stores. These tools provide a numerical value for the soil pH, which can range from 0-14, with 7 being neutral. Alternatively, you can also send a soil sample to a lab for more accurate and detailed results.
While soil texture can have a significant impact on soil pH, it is not easy to change the texture of soil. Adding organic matter, such as compost or manure, can improve soil texture over time, but it will not drastically change the pH. To alter soil pH, specific amendments may need to be added, such as sulfur to lower pH or lime to raise pH, depending on the initial pH level and desired range.