It is a crucial parameter for plant growth because the availability of nutrients to plants hinges upon it.
The most commonly used material to neutralize soil acidity is lime.
Other options are wood ash and eggshells.
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What Affects Soil pH?
The punch in of rocks in an area determines whether the soil tends to be acidic or alkaline.
Acidic granite rock contributes to acidic soil whereas alkaline shale or limestone contributes to alkaline soil.
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Frequent and heavy rainfall leaches away the alkaline elements of the soil and makes it more acidic over time.
In arid areas with little precipitation, those alkaline elements remain in the soil to make it more alkaline.
Tip
Some plants require acid soils.
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These includeazaleasandrhododendrons(pH 5.0),conifers(pH 5.5), andblueberries(pH 4.5).
If you test the soil frequently, consider purchasing a pH meter.
If the pH is within range, do nothing.
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For safety reasons, it is not recommended for home garden use.
It is used when the soil also lacks magnesium.
However, wood ash should only be used if the soil pH is below 6.5.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
In soil with a pH above 6.5, adding wood ashes would make the soil too alkaline.
Baking sodais often touted as an easy, low-cost, and fast way to increase soil pH.
However, it is a salt (sodium bicarbonate) and not formulated for agricultural use.
The same applies tousing lime for a lawn.
It is also harmful to plants and not recommended as a soil amendment.
Solutions to Soil Problems II.
Utah State University Extension.
Interpreting Your Soil Test Reports.Penn State Extension
Changing the pH of Your Soil.
Clemson University Cooperative Extension.
Applying Hydrated Lime to My Garden?Oregon State University Extension Service.
Should I Use Dolomitic or Calcitic Lime?Michigan State University Extension.
Use of Ground Eggshells as a Liming Source.
Wood Ash in the Garden.Michigan State University Extension.
