What is the pH of Soil Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

What is the pH of Soil - Essay ExampleThis is determined on a pH scale that vagabonds from 0 to 14. A substance with pH nearing the scales start out decease is considered very acidic while those on the upper range would be considered basic or alkaline. The indifferent(p) on the scale is at ph 7. Pure rainwater has pH of 5.6 or thereabout, but it changes when it enters the primer depending on the dirtys chemical characteristics. Nutrients such as phosphorous and calcium are more(prenominal) soluble in slight acidity.In this experiment, the objective is to determine the pH of soil sample provided. save as is the case with rain water, these nutrients can be dissolved in distilled water. When litmus paper is immersed in the clear solution after the soil settles down, acidic soil with pH less than 7 leave alone cause blue litmus paper to turn red while basic soil with pH greater than 7 will cause red litmus paper to turn blue. Neutral soil will have no effect on both red and blue litmus papers.It is all-important(a) to know the pH of soil as crops grow best within a narrow range of pH varying from one crop to another. For example, blueberries grow best at pH 5.5 or lower while potatoes do best at 5.5 to 6.0. The 5.5 to 7.5 range is favorable because it accommodates microorganisms which are important in gap down organic matter and also provides the necessary condition for nutrient availability (Conklin