soil pH
Soil pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of soil, which affects plant growth and nutrient availability. It is measured on a scale from 0 to 14, where values below 7 indicate acidity, 7 is neutral, and above 7 indicates alkalinity. Different plants thrive in different pH levels, making it essential for gardeners and farmers to understand their soil's pH.
Maintaining the right soil pH is crucial for healthy plants. For example, blueberries prefer acidic soil, while asparagus grows best in alkaline conditions. Adjusting soil pH can be done using various amendments, such as lime to raise pH or sulfur to lower it.