Want to maintain the perfect pH level of your soil? Here is how to do it.
As a beginner who is setting a foot into gardening, the things that occupy your mind are plant growth, manures, and watering. However, as you grow professional into it, things like pests, pruning, organic fertilisers and pH level of soil are the things that concern you. Here is all you need to know about the pH level of soil and how to monitor it.
First, several reasons contribute to the stunted growth of a plant. Before blaming the sunlight and water, look into the pH level of your soil. Every plant has its preferred level of soil acidity, and it helps keep the garden healthy.
What Is pH?
The acidity and alkalinity of a substance are measured in pH units. It is estimated from 0 to 14, 7 being neutral. As the number decreases, the acidity gets higher, and if it increases, the alkalinity increases. Soil usually lies between 3 to 10. It depends on the amount of rainfall. Cultivated plants enjoy slightly acidic soil while other plants demand highly acidic soil.
What Does pH Do?
Soil pH has indirect and far-reaching effects on plants. The nutrients absorbed by the plants are directly affected by the pH of the soil. If you notice yellowing between veins of the leaf, it results from a lack of acid in the ground. The increase in iron resulting from that causes the colour to fade. Most plants thrive in higher acidic soil. The other side with lead to plant poisoning. Over acidic soil can make the leaves flecked and wilt. It liberates aluminium that stunts growth and interferes with the absorption of proper nutrients from the ground.
How To Adjust The pH?
Before you change the levels, you must analyse the current pH level of the soil. Only after that will you know what to add to maintain the status. The test can be done at home quickly. Next, you need to determine the texture of the soil. Is it sandy, clayey or something in between? For changing clay into sand, more material is required. Clay resists the changes. Limestone helps maintain the pH level and Sulphur helps reduce it.
Why Should You Monitor Your Soil?
As a gardener, you always look after the growth of your plants. Pruning, checking on the moisture, and looking out for the pH level of your soil will ensure the healthy development of your plant and make your garden greener.
