1. Soil Reactions Acidity and Alkalinity Topic # 2056 Matt Jakubik

2. What is soil pH? a. soils contain acids and bases b. pH scale indicates acid and base c. pH scale ranges from 0 - 14 d. below 7 = acid/sour e. above 7 = basic/alkaline f. equals 7 = neutral

3. pH Scale neutral Range of Acidity Range of Alkalinity Range of Alkalinity 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Phosphoric Acid Distilled Water Lye BloodMilkTomatoesLemonsVinegarAmmonia Milk of Magnesia

4. Optimum soil level a. most plants like soils in the range of 5.5 - 6.5 b. lime (limestone) raises pH (reduces acidity) c. plants that like acid soils = blueberries, azaleas, rhododendrens

6. Adjusting soil pH a. make adjustments on soil tests b. lime raises pH, neutralizes soil acids c. pH lowered by applying sulfur, iron, aluminum sulfate

7. Desired pH ranges for selected plants a. alfalfa6.6 - 7 b. corn6.1 - 6.5 c. grasses6.1 - 6.5 d. peppers5.6 - 6.0

8. Causes of acid soils a. as nutrients are removed from soil (erosion, leaching, crop removal), they are replaced by soil acids b. acid forming fertilizers (salts) c. nitrification

9. Lime sources a. crushed limestone is most common and economical b. contains Ca and Mg

10. Functions of lime 1. raises pH 2. improves availability of nutrients 3. increases effectiveness of applied N, P, K 4. increases activity of microorganisms improves plant growth and crop yields