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Soil pH is an important factor in farming because it influences many aspects of plant growth and development. It is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of soil and is expressed on a scale ranging from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. In general, plants grow best when the soil pH is within a specific range, which varies depending on the type of plant. Soil pH affects plant growth by influencing nutrient availability. Nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium are less available in very acidic soil, while micronutrients such as iron, manganese, and zinc can be less available in very alkaline soil. When the pH is within the optimal range for a crop, nutrients are more available and can be more easily absorbed by the plant's roots. Plant growers and farmers need to be aware of the pH of their soil and adjust it if necessary. There are different methods to determine the pH of soil, but the most common and accurate method is by using a soil pH test kit. The Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) of the Philippines has developed the Rapid Soil Test Kit (RST), a low-cost and portable soil testing kit that farmers and agricultural technicians can use in the field to quickly identify macro and micro-nutrient deficiencies in the soil that may limit crop production, particularly of rice and other crops. It is also specifically designed to determine soil pH. Soil pH can be adjusted to the optimal level for specific crops. The process of adjusting soil pH is called soil acidification or soil alkalization, depending on whether the goal is to lower or raise the pH level, respectively. Adjusting soil pH can be done in several ways.
Lowering soil pH
When the soil pH is too high, some nutrients such as iron, manganese, and zinc become less available, leading to nutrient deficiencies. By lowering soil pH, farmers can improve the availability of essential nutrients for crops, leading to better growth and yield. To lower soil pH, Sulfur, aluminum sulfate, and ferrous sulfate are the most common materials added to the soil. The choice of the material to use and the amount of the material required depends on the current soil pH level and the target pH level. Sulfur is the most common material used to lower soil pH. Sulfur reacts slowly with the soil, so it's essential to apply it well in advance to ensure it has enough time to react. Aluminum sulfate is also a safe option in lowering soil pH. This compound is highly soluble, making it a faster-acting option compared to elemental sulfur. However, if a large area needs treatment, elemental sulfur may be more economical since it is less expensive.Raising soil pH
Certain essential plant nutrients, such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, become less available to plants at lower soil pH levels that may eventually cause nutrient deficiencies. To raise soil pH, farmers can add materials such as lime and wood ash to the soil. Lime is the material most used to raise soil pH. It is a natural mineral that contains calcium and magnesium carbonates. Wood ash is another material that farmers can use to raise soil pH. It is the residue left after burning wood, and it contains high levels of potassium and calcium carbonate. Wood ash has been used for centuries as a soil amendment to improve fertility, raise pH, and supply nutrients to plants. Adjusting soil pH is a crucial factor that farmers must consider to achieve optimal crop growth and yield. It's important to monitor the soil's pH level regularly to determine whether raising or lowering the pH is necessary. By managing the soil pH properly, farmers can improve crop performance and achieve higher yields. A balanced soil pH ensures that plants can absorb nutrients effectively, which is essential for their healthy growth and development. [*Read more about farming and gardening at agriculture.com.ph*](https://www.agriculture.com.ph/)