OBJECTIVE FORESTRY

Detailed explanation-1: -Extreme pH values decrease the availability of most nutrients. Low pH reduces the availability of the macro-and secondary nutrients, while high pH reduces the availability of most micronutrients. Microbial activity may also be reduced or changed. Favorable pH ranges for common crops are listed in the table below.

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: -In general, most plants grow best in a neutral soil pH, although there are important exceptions. For example, blueberries, azaleas and rhododendrons do well in an acidic soil between 4.5 and 5.5. Lawns favor a pH of 5.5 to 6.

Detailed explanation-4: -Water with low pH is problematic for several reasons. It can interfere with plant root growth by making the potting material too acidic. It can increase or decrease the solubility and availability of micronutrients. It can also cause minerals like iron to precipitate out and clog irrigation equipment.

Detailed explanation-5: -Phosphorus availability decreases at pH levels lower than 6.0 because of aluminum and iron tie-up. At pH levels higher than 7.5, phosphorus availability decreases again because of calcium tie-up.