In sandy soils where nutrient holding capacity is low and leaching is the most prominent destiny of the nutrients. According to nutrient uptake intervals at certain pH levels, e.g. nitrogen is mostly available between 6 and 8, iron is when pH is lower than 4 and so on. So, in sandy soils, does nutrient uptake have a primary effect or is it a nonessential one?
Thanks.
Yes, soil pH affects the whole range of properties of not only sandy soil , but a great majority of soils....facilitates any crop perform its optimum functions...
In sandy soils more uptake of N, Bo, Zn, Fe and Cu was observed under acidic soil pH. P and Mn was more uptake at neutral pH ( preferably at pH 6.5). K, Ca, Mg and Mo under alkaline pH range and uptake of S does not much effect on soil pH.
Greetings my exulted Friends,.
All the evidence we have obtained over more than 22 site years shows unquestionably that pH is an antiquated measure of determining lime requirement. Al or acid saturation is much better. Strange to me that pH still apparently has a role to play!!! Acid or Al saturation has undoubtedly a better relationship with lime requirement . Papers I have on researchgate under martin farina are possibly more related to reality --- field experiments over many years.
We need to remember that pot experiments are a long way from reality. Unfortunately, however, they are a lot cheaper and easier to do. HOW WELL DO THEY RELATE TO THE REAL WORLD. The results are frequently published on Researchgate, but how relevant are they?? In our experience pH values have considerably less value than acid saturation numbers.
Where I come from (KZN- Kwa-Zulu Natal), we have used soil acidity saturation measures for over 30 years as an index of lime requirement. Why traditional use of pH persists, I really do not know.
I say this with the utmost respect, but at least the role of Al toxicity has been more generally recognized.
Kind regards folks,
Mart Farina/
pH is a poor tool for determining nutrient requirements. I agree entirely with Martin Farina. We measure cations and anions and determine what is required by a series of equations. We get excellent results. The lab we use is Perry Agricultural Laboratory in Missouri, while we are resident in New Zealand. that lab takes soils from over 75 countries around the world. Practitioners meet every now and again and share latest developments, findings and fine tuning.
i agree to Martin Patrick Farina 's view. pH was a older concept , we need to concentrate more on real ground researches than the pot culture ones