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 to grow plants successfully.
One of the first questions to consider to improve production
is, "Have you tested your soil?"
Soil pH is a measure of how acidic or "basic" (the
opposite of acidic) your soil is. Soil pH is important
since it affects the growth of plants and the severity
of some diseases.
pH affects the ability of plant roots to absorb nutrients.
Calcium, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium are likely
to be unavailable to plants in acidic soils. Plants have
difficulty absorbing copper, zinc, boron, manganese and
iron in basic soils. By managing soil pH, you can create
an ideal environment for plants and often discourage plant
pests at the same time.
pH is measured on a scale of 0-14. A soil or water pH reading
below 7 is considered acidic, while a pH reading above
7 is basic. A pH reading of 7 is neutral, and is ideal
for many plants and spray materials.
The pH scale is logarithmic, which means that a pH reading
of 6 is 10 times more acidic than a reading of 7.
You can measure the pH of your soil, your spray tank
water or your irrigation/fertigation water.
Soils:
Crops, ornamentals and turf need careful pH management
to maintain their best quality and appearance. The wrong
pH can lock nutrients in the soil, making them unavailable
to plant roots. A pH that's too high or low can make
disease, insect and weed problems worse.
Spray tank water:
If your spray tank water is too acidic (low pH) or too
basic (high pH), the pesticides you mix in can be deactivated
and may even burn your plants.
Irrigation/fertigation water:
The pH of water you apply to your plants should match your
desired soil pH. Otherwise it will gradually change soil
pH.
Acceptable pH varies by plant type. If you're not sure
what's best for your plants, you can check a reference
book or ask your seed or agchem dealer, Cooperative Extension
agent or private consultant.
Remember, when you adjust soil pH levels you can also
affect plant growth, nutrition and susceptibility to pests.
When setting a pH goal for your soil, you will want to
take all of these considerations into account.
Acidic fertilizers can be used to lower pH. Limestone
is often used to raise pH. The type of limestone applied
and your soil type can make a difference in how quickly
and how much pH will change.
 1.
Sample—Collect 15-20 soil samples per field, fairway
or potting mix.
2. Mix—Place these samples in a clean plastic container.
3. Measure—Remove a small amount (coffee measure)
of soil from your mix and add to an equal amount of distilled
water.
4. Shake and wait—Stir or shake the soil and water
mixture vigorously. Then let it sit for five minutes.
5. Test—Turn on your pH meter and remove the cap
to expose the sensor completely in the solution. Record
the reading on the meter. |