PDC LESSON 4.9 SOIL – The effects of pH on soil nutrients

                         

                             

 

PERMA COURSE AGRO-ECONOMY

PDC LESSON 4.9 SOIL – The effects of pH on soil nutrients

 

Soil - pH

pH stands for potential hydrogen. If your soil measures a pH of 5.5 this means that there are more hydrogen ions in your soil than a soil measuring 6.5 pH. These hydrogen ions are filled in the void that nutrients leave behind. Soil that is devoid of organic matter has a low pH so to increase the pH of your soil basically all you need to do is add organic matter. This will then eventually increase your soil pH. Adding lime to an acidic soil will also help to sweeten it up.

If your soil is made of heavy clay then it is advisable to add gypsum instead of lime as this doesn’t influence the soil pH. Clay soils are often of a good pH. The gypsum will help break up the clay over time. Add lime and gypsum a couple of times a year if this is needed.

A soil test kit is easily available at produce shops and nursery suppliers and it’s a very useful tool. An extreme in either direction can spell disaster for garden productivity.

Increasing acidity   

Excess of Aluminium, Manganese, Iron

Deficiency of Magnesium, Calcium, Potassium, Phosphorus, Molybdenum, 

                                                

pH 3 toxic acidity, extremely strong

pH 4 strong

pH 5 moderate

pH 5 slight

pH 6 neutral

pH 7 neutral

pH 8 slight

pH 9 moderate toxic alkalinity

pH 10 strong

 

Increasing alkalinity, Excess of Sodium 

Deficiency of Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Copper, Boron 

Text from the roots, Elisabeth Ferkonia (Aus.) PDC studied with Bill Mollison,