Acid Soil—Is Your Soil "Sour"?

There are three types of plants, those that like acid soil, those that prefer alkaline soil, and those that like a neutral soil pH. Acidity and alkalinity are also referred to as the sourness and sweetness of the soil, respectively.

We measure pH by the number of hydrogen ions present in a soil solution. 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 in the soil.

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.

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.

This makes testing important before attempting to do any adjustments to the pH.

A List of Acidic Soil 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

Examples of Acidity and Alkalinity

• Battery acid is very acid.
• Vinegar is a mild acid.
• Water that's purified is neutral (pH 7.0).

Perform a soil test (or have one done) every couple of years to check that the pH is right for the best growing conditions for your area (whether acidic or alkaline).

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