WHAT IS SOIL PH AND ITS IMPORTANT

WHAT IS SOIL PH AND ITS IMPORTANT

SOIL PH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, specifically the concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) present. It is a logarithmic scale ranging from 0 to 14:

pH < 7: Acidic solution (higher concentration of H⁺ ions)

pH = 7: Neutral solution (pure water)

pH > 7: Alkaline (basic) solution (lower concentration of H⁺ ions)

Importance of pH:

1. Soil Health: pH affects nutrient availability and microbial activity in the soil, influencing plant growth.

2. Water Quality: In aquatic ecosystems, pH impacts the health of organisms and the solubility of minerals.

3. Agriculture: Understanding soil pH helps in managing fertilizers and improving crop yields.

4. Food Science: pH levels are crucial in food preservation and fermentation processes.

Maintaining the appropriate pH level is essential for various biological and chemical processes in agriculture and environmental science.

 How to test soil pH in order to obtain good produce in your farm. 

AREAS TO AVOID DURING SOIL TEST

1. Avoid taking soil along the boundary take at middle of your farm.

2. Avoid area where their is manure.

3. Avoid area their is trees .

4. Avoid swampy area.

METHODS USED TO COLLECT SOIL

1. Traverse method.

2. Zigzag method.

HOW TO TEST SOIL PH MATERIAL REQUIRED

1. Soil

2. Water

3. Vinegar

4. Baking soda

-Take soil from different areas of your garden.

-put 2 spoonful into separated container.

-add half cup of vinegar.

RESULT:

-if it fizzes you have alkaline soil with ph of 7&8.

BEST CROP AT ALKALINE SOIL

:cabbage,spinach,beans,leek,sunflower,watermelon etc.

Note: if it doesnt fizz after doing the vinegar test.

-add distilled water to other containers with soil until its muddy.

-add half cup of baking soda if fizzes out you have acidic soil with ph of 5&6

BEST CROP AT ACIDIC SOIL

:kales,beans,potatoes,onions,spinach,sweetpotatoes,pumkin,tomatoes,melon,carrots,bananas 

Note:f it doesnt react either in vinegar or baking soda at all your soil is neutral with ph of 7 and you are lucky

BEST CROP AT NEUTRAL SOIL

:carrots,tomatoes,cucumbers,cauliflower