AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Soil pH plays an important role in availability of nutrients essential for plant growth. In general, optimum availability occurs between a soil pH of 6.0 and 7.0 (Brady, 1990). Low pH results in lower rates of N mineralization, a process dependent on active, viable microbial populations in the soil.

Detailed explanation-2: -Soil pH affects nutrients available for plant growth. In highly acidic soil, aluminum and manganese can become more available and more toxic to plant while calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium are less available to the plant. In highly alkaline soil, phosphorus and most micronutrients become less available.

Detailed explanation-3: -Nutrient availability in soil is influenced by many, often interrelated, factors. These include the parental rock material, particle size, humus and water content, pH, aeration, temperature, root surface area, the rhizoflora, and mycorrhizal development.

Detailed explanation-4: -Inherent factors that affect soil pH include climate, mineral content, and soil texture. Natural soil pH reflects the combined effects of the soil-forming factors (parent material, time, relief or topography, climate, and organisms).

Detailed explanation-5: -How is pH Affected by Nutrition? Nutrients that are more basic will bond with the H-ions in water to raise the pH value. As you add fertilizers or nutrients to your garden, you may notice an increase or decrease in the pH level of the soil or water in your garden.