How does soil acidity affect plant growth?
When you measure the soil pH, this evaluation is aimed at determining whether the soil is acidic or alkaline. Acidic soils have a pH less than 7.0 on a logarithmic scale ranging between 1.0 and 14.0. Anything less that 7.0 is acidic and likewise, anything greater than 7.0 is alkaline. Plant growth is generally best when the soil is in a pH range of 6.3 to 7.0, but the values are relative to the method used to measure the soil pH. Different methods include using water, a buffer solution or a salt solution to mix with the soil. The pH reading is affected by these media and the results need to be evaluated on the basis of what method was employed and how this relates to the plant/crop you want to grow.
