Soil pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity (basicity) of a soil, and is reported as a value between 0 and 14. A soil test for pH measures the concentration of hydrogen ions in the soil solution.
A pH of 7.0 is considered neutral. A pH value below 7.0 indicates that the soil is acidic, with lower values representing increasing acidity. A pH value above 7.0 indicates that the soil is alkaline (basic), with higher values …
Soil pH
Soil pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity (basicity) of a soil, and is reported as a value between 0 and 14. A soil test for pH measures the concentration of hydrogen ions in the soil solution.
A pH of 7.0 is considered neutral. A pH value below 7.0 indicates that the soil is acidic, with lower values representing increasing acidity. A pH value above 7.0 indicates that the soil is alkaline (basic), with higher values …
Soil testing may identify a lack of plant nutrients critical for optimum growth. For instance, nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium levels may be limiting plant growth, along with a lack of other plant macronutrients (calcium, magnesium, and sulfur) and micronutrients (chloride, iron, boron, manganese, zinc, copper, molybdenum, and nickel).
Soil tests can also determine organic matter, pH, soluble salts, available nutrients, element toxicities, soil texture, and numerous other properties.
Soil testing may also identify limiting factors on a site such as …
Soil salinity is the concentration of salts found in the soil. High salinity in soils can be a problem. Plant vigor will be compromised, seed germination will be poor and, if the salinity is high enough, plants may wilt and die.
As the concentration of salt ions increases in soil, plants have a lower ability to take up water from the soil. Plant roots contain varying concentrations of ions. As the salinity of the soil …
Soil testing laboratories provide a variety of soil analysis services. Tests recommended for lawns, gardens, and landscapes should include soil pH, the macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, soil pH, and salinity.
The process requires mixing several random soil samples (see instructions on submission packet) before submitting for testing. Results of the test give information to assist the homeowner in developing a fertilization program.
Since each soil testing laboratory may use different testing …
