1. Soil pH vs. Nutrients 
By: Becky McGuire

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

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. Desired pH ranges for selected plants
a. alfalfa
b. corn
c. grasses
d. peppers

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

8. 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