Soil pH Level Part2

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As a home gardener or homesteader, understanding the pH level of your soil is crucial for growing healthy plants. Soil pH affects nutrient availability and microorganism activity, influencing plant growth and health. Here’s a comprehensive guide to acidic and alkaline soils, including which plants thrive in each type and how to adjust your soil's pH to suit your gardening needs.

What is Soil pH?

Soil pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of soil on a scale from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral.
  • Acidic soil: pH below 7
  • Neutral soil: pH around 7
  • Alkaline soil: pH above 7

Ideal Soil pH for Different Plants

Different plants prefer different pH levels. Here’s a list of various edible plants categorized by their preferred soil pH levels:
  • Acidic (4.5-6.0) Blueberries, Cranberries, Potatoes, Radishes, Rhubarb
    • Vegetables: Sweet Potatoes, Taro, Cassava, Yams, Peppers, Carrots, Radishes
    • Fruits: Pineapples, Blueberries, Cranberries, Mangoes, Papayas, Starfruit (Carambola), Passionfruit
    • Herbs: Parsley, Cilantro (Coriander), Dill 
    • Others: Tea (Camellia sinensis), Cocoa (Theobroma cacao)
  • Slightly Acidic (5.5-6.5) Beans, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Corn, Cucumbers, Peppers, Squash, Tomatoes
  • Neutral (6.5-7.5) 
    • Vegetables: Asparagus, Beets, Celeriac, Cucumbers, Celery, Garlic, Leeks, Lettuce, Onions, Parsnips, Spinach, Tomatoes, Eggplants, Okra, Beans (Green beans, Lima beans), Squash (Zucchini, Pumpkin), Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, Broccoli
    • Fruits: Bananas, Papayas, Avocados, Guavas, Melons (Watermelon, Cantaloupe), Citrus Fruits (Oranges, Lemons, Limes)
    • Herbs: Basil, Mint, Oregano, Thyme. Rosemary
    • Others: Coffee (Coffea arabica)
  • Slightly Alkaline (7.5-8.5) 
    • Vegetables: Artichokes, Asparagus, Beets, Cabbage, Celery, Chard (Swiss Chard), Sweet Peas, Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower
    • Fruits: Figs, Grapes, Pomegranates, Dates, Mulberries
    • Herbs: Lavender, Sage, Tarragon
    • Others: Olive Trees, Almonds

Adjusting Soil pH

Raising Soil pH (Making Soil More Alkaline)
  • Dolomite / Lime: The most common way to raise soil pH is by adding agricultural lime (calcium carbonate). The amount needed depends on your soil type and current pH.
  • Wood Ash: Applying wood ash can also increase pH, but use it sparingly as it can raise the pH quickly.
  • Baking Soda: For a small area or potted plants, adding a small amount of baking soda to the soil can help increase pH.

Lowering Soil pH (Making Soil More Acidic)
  • Sulphur: Elemental sulphur is commonly used to lower soil pH. It reacts with soil bacteria to form sulfuric acid, which acidifies the soil.
  • Peat Moss: Incorporating peat moss into the soil can help lower the pH while improving soil texture.
  • Coffee Grounds: Adding used coffee grounds to the soil can slightly acidify it over time.

Tips for Managing Soil pH  

  • Test Your Soil: Before making any adjustments, use a soil pH test kit to determine your soil's current pH level.
  • Amend Gradually: Adjust soil pH gradually and retest after each amendment to avoid over-correcting.
  • Consider Soil Type: Different soils (sandy, loamy, clay) react differently to pH amendments. Clay soils, for example, require more lime to raise pH than sandy soils.
  • Monitor Plant Health: Keep an eye on your plants for signs of pH-related nutrient deficiencies or toxicities, such as yellowing leaves or stunted growth.

Tips for Tropical Soil ManagementTesting Soil pH: 

  • Regularly test your soil to monitor its pH levels. Use home test kits or seek professional soil testing services and follow the tips above to manage the pH.
  • Mulching and Composting: Use organic mulches and compost to help maintain soil structure and nutrient levels, which can indirectly affect soil pH.
  • Water Management: Tropical climates often have high rainfall, which can leach nutrients and affect soil pH. Ensure proper drainage and consider raised beds for better control.
  • Crop Rotation and Companion Planting: Practice crop rotation and companion planting to maintain soil health and reduce pest and disease problems, which can be more prevalent in tropical climates. 

By understanding and managing your soil's pH, you can create the ideal growing conditions for a wide variety of plants, leading to a more bountiful and healthy garden. Happy gardening! 🌻

Get your soil amendment at https://www.hijou.com.my/soil-amendment 


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