Soil pH can be reduced or increased by the addition of soil amendments. The change in soil pH, however, is affected by the composition of organic amendments, C and N cycles in the soil, and the initial soil pH. So, I want to develop my understanding of how the initial soil pH (e.g. pH = 4.5 and pH = 6.5) affects changes in soil pH?
pH is determined in water solutions. By adding organic solvents, you get an apparent pH. In order to understand the pH change, you need to calibrate the pH using different percentages of organic solvents. In addition, you need to know the composition of your soil, as the organic materials (acids or bases) may be soluble in the added solvents and wash out, thus modifying the pH.
Dealing with the initial pH implication pers se for an aerobic, mineral soil: there may be a much larger reservoir of acidity at pH 4.5 than at pH 6.5. The pH 'buffering capacities' are readily measured by titration.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Biological Science
- Biochemistry
- Biochemical Techniques
- Analytical Chemistry
- pH