Soil pH is important because it affects the availability of nutrients to plants. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the primary nutrients needed in fairly large quantities. Calcium, magnesium, and sulfur are secondary nutrients required by the plant in lesser quantities. The desirable soil pH range for optimum plant growth varies among crops. Generally, soil pH 6.0-7.5 is acceptable for most plants as most nutrients become available in this pH range. Soil pH can be determined by mixing soil sample with water and then measuring the resulting aqueous solution.

Changes in root architecture, induction of root-based transport systems and associations with beneficial soil microorganisms allow plants to maintain optimal nutrient content in the face of changing soil environments. Plant growth and development largely depend on the combination and concentration of mineral nutrients available in the soil. Plants often face significant challenges in obtaining an adequate supply of these nutrients to meet the demands of basic cellular processes due to their relative immobility. A deficiency of any one of them may result in decreased plant productivity and/or fertility. Symptoms of nutrient deficiency may include stunted growth, death of plant tissue, or yellowing of the leaves caused by a reduced production of chlorophyll, a pigment needed for photosynthesis. Nutrient deficiency can have a significant impact on agriculture, resulting in reduced crop yield or reduced plant quality. Nutrient deficiency can also lead to reduced overall biodiversity since plants serve as the producers that support most food webs.

1. Soil pH is a characteristic that describes the relative acidity or alkalinity of the soil

2. The availability of some plant nutrients is greatly affected by soil pH

3. In some situations, materials are added to the soil to adjust the pH.

4. Whether or not you try to adjust pH, it is important to understand other methods to increase the availability and use of added nutrients.

5. Next time you have soil samples taken on your fields, take time to note what the pH values are in your results

https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-94-009-2221-1_5

it may be an indication of nutrient availability but not an index

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