OBJECTIVE FORESTRY

Detailed explanation-1: -Soils can be classified according to their pH value: 6.5 to 7.5-neutral. over 7.5-alkaline. less than 6.5-acidic, and soils with pH less than 5.5 are considered strongly acidic.

Detailed explanation-2: -pHs less than 7 are acidic while pHs greater than 7 are alkaline (basic).

Detailed explanation-3: -Acidity has the following effects on soil: It decreases the availability of plant nutrients, such as phosphorus and molybdenum, and increases the availability of some elements to toxic levels, particularly aluminium and manganese. Essential plant nutrients can also be leached below the rooting zone.

Detailed explanation-4: -A pH of 6.5 is just about right for most home gardens, since most plants thrive in the 6.0 to 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral) range. Some plants (blueberries, azaleas) prefer more acidic soil, while a few (ferns, asparagus) do best in soil that is neutral to slightly alkaline.

Detailed explanation-5: -To increase the pH of soil, a component that contains calcium and/or magnesium is used. The most common practice is to add a material that contains lime, however other methods such as using baking soda or eggshells will also increase the pH in soil.