My partner and I are working on determining the efficacy of the jade vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys) as a soil pH indicator in rain forests where this plant is most commonly found. We are then trying to formulate the criteria for determining its efficacy.
You would need to known what change in pH is necessary to detect a change in growth or abundance of you indicator. This would help you to understand how long it might take to see that kind of change and to determine if it is sensitive enough to be useful. What is the agent of change affecting soil pH that you are interested in?
Are you saying that Jade vine is an acid sensitive plant and asking about using its growth rate as an indicator of the degree of acidity?
Are you attempting to survey the acidity in a large area for some purpose? Or do you want a test that the locals can use? Do you want an in situ test or a test to use on composited samples in pots? Basal nutrients are typically added so that the growth is not limited by any other factors.
When testing soils to characterise an area that appears homogeneous, samples (10-20) are taken from the area, and composited to minimise the usually large spatial variation.
If you are just interested in acidity could I suggest you use a salt solution such as the chloride salts of Ca (10 mM) or K (1 M) and pH indicator strips. Just puddle the soil with the salt solution, let it settle, dip the strip in the clear layer and compare the colour with the chart on the side of the container. pH 5.4 or thereabouts is the critical value in CaCl2 and 4.6 in KCl.
Thank you for your helpful comments, Mohammed, Andrew, and Paul! I will definitely look into it!
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science