-
Soil pH affects the substances that plants absorb. Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images Adding acids or bases changes the pH of the soil, which affects various chemical and biological activities. The degree of acidity or alkalinity in the soil affects the plants that grow in it. Soil can become acidic because of commercial fertilizer, addition of sulfur or acid rain. Gardeners can add lime to make the soil more alkaline.
Nutrient Solubility
-
Plants only absorb nutrients that dissolve in the soil solution. Most plants thrive in slightly acidic soil because plant nutrients usually become soluble in slightly acidic soil solution. However, too much acid can make phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium insoluble.
Soil Bacteria
-
Soil pH can also affect the activity of beneficial microorganisms in the soil that build structure, process organic matter and fix nitrogen. Generally, these bacteria cannot work effectively in strongly acidic soil. This results in a buildup of decaying plant materials in the soil and the unavailability of nitrogen for plants.
Pesticides
-
Soil pH affects the performance and the breakdown of pesticides. Alkaline soil leads to herbicides persisting longer in the soil, harming new plants. Some insecticides cannot function properly in alkaline soil, allowing pests to thrive.
Toxic Metals
-
Too much acid can lead to the activation of metal ions that are toxic to plants. These ions usually exist in their insoluble form in the soil, but acid dissolves them into the soil solution, making plants absorb these harmful substances along with nutrients. These metals include aluminum, lead, mercury, zinc, copper, cadmium, chromium, manganese and vanadium. They could stunt the growth of plants and prevent them from taking up certain nutrients.
No comments:
Post a Comment