Acid Soil -- Is Your Soil "Sour"?

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Acid soil or alkaline soil is referred to as the sourness or sweetness of the soil. Acidity is measured by the number of Hydrogen ions present in the soil solution, measured as pH.

When the pH is too low (acid) or high (alkaline), nutrients present in the soil become locked-up or unavailable.

Correcting the pH has the same effect as applying fertilizer since it releases plant nutrients already present.

Acid soils have a pH of 6.9 or lower when tested.

When the soil is too acid, problems may occur, such as interveinal chlorosis.

Essential nutrients will also become unavailable to the plants.

And you will have to be very selective about the plants you use.

Testing is important before attempting to do any adjustments to the pH.

The uptake of nutrients from the soil to the plants depends on the pH level of the soil, whether the plant is acid-loving, and the nutrient being transferred to the plant. Some nutrients do better at acid levels and some do better at alkaline levels.

A List of pH Levels

• 4.0 to 5.5 is strongly acid
• 5.5 to 6.0 is medium acid
• 6.0 to 6.5 is slightly acid
• 6.5 to 6.9 is very slight acid
• 7.0 is neutral
• 7.1 to 7.5 is very slight alkaline
• 7.5 to 8.0 is slightly alkaline
• 8.0 to 8.5 is medium alkaline
• 8.5 to 10.0 is strongly alkaline

Examples of Acidity and Alkalinity

• Battery acid is very acid.
• Vinegar is a mild acid.
• Water that is purified is neutral (pH 7.0).
• Baking soda is a mild base (alkaline).
• Drano is a strong alkaline.

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