KIDS TRIVIA

Detailed explanation-1: -Vegetables, grasses and most ornamentals do best in slightly acidic soils (pH 5.8 to 6.5). Soil pH values above or below these ranges may result in less vigorous growth and nutrient deficiencies.

Detailed explanation-2: -Soils with an extremely alkaline pH (greater than 9) are likely to have high levels of sodium. The correct balance is where the soil pH is between 5.5 and 7.5, so every effort should be taken to check soil pH levels regularly.

Detailed explanation-3: -Any value below 7 means the H+ ion concentration is greater than at neutral pH and the solution is acidic. Soils are considered acidic below a pH of 5, and very acidic below a pH of 4. Conversely, soils are considered alkaline above a pH of 7.5 and very alkaline above a pH of 8.

Detailed explanation-4: -The pH is important because it influences the availability of essential nutrients. Most horticultural crops will grow satisfactorily in soils having a pH between 6 (slightly acid) and 7.5 (slightly alkaline). Since most garden soils in Iowa are in this range, most gardeners experience few problems with soil pH.