What Is pH in Soil?
Measuring soil’s alkalinity or acidity determine its pH level. Measured on a scale of 0 to 14, a low number such as zero represents harsh acidity, while fourteen is alkaline heavy. Ideally, pH should measure between 6.0 and 7.5. An imbalanced pH can prohibit nutrients from being absorbed by the plants. This test can best be performed by a County Extension Service or by purchasing a pH soil testing kit from a nursery or hardware store. For the Extension Service nearest you, contact the USDA or call your nearest state university. They will advise you on collecting and submitting soil samples for testing properly. Testing Soil Samples Yourself For those who only wish to plant a small flower or vegetable garden, submitting samples to the County Extension Service might be more than necessary. In those cases, determining the type of soil may be adequate. Plants in light, or sandy soil need plenty of water and nutrients. Those in heavy clay may well be killed by over-watering. To determine wh
