THE pH OF THE SOIL
Reserch question
What is the usual ph of the soil and how does different ph of the soil affect growth of plants?
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What is it?
It is an indication of the acidity or alkalinity of soil
it is measured in pH units
the pH scale goes from 0 to 14 and 7 is neutral
From pH 7 to 0 the soil is increasingly more acidic and from pH 7 to 14 the soil is increasingly more alkaline or basic.
how can you measure the pH of the soil?
the most accurate method to measure the pH of the soil is by using a pH meter
in a more simple and easy but less accurate way you can use dyes.
usually the pH of the soil is near to neutral so around 6,7 and 7,3
Soils tend to become acidic as a result of: (1) rainwater leaching away basic ions (calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium); (2) carbon dioxide from decomposing organic matter and root respiration dissolving in soil water to form a weak organic acid; (3) formation of strong organic and inorganic acids, such as nitric and sulfuric acid, from decaying organic matter and oxidation of ammonium and sulfur fertilizers.
lime is usually added to increase the soils pH
Fruit tree ideal pH
Melo: tra 5 e 6,5
Albicocco: tra 6 e 7
Arancio: tra 5 e 7
Pesco: tra 6 e 7,5
Pero: tra 6 e 7,5
Melograno: tra 5,5 e 6,5
Noce: tra 6 e 8