How does pH affect plant growth?
1 Answer
Aug 4, 2015
Soil pH affects influences several factors that affect plant growth.
Explanation:
These factors include:
- soil bacteria
- nutrient leaching
- nutrient availability
- toxic elements
(from www.gardendesignexposed.com)
Soil Bacteria
- Bacteria operate best in the pH range of 5.5 to 7.0.
- A soil pH outside this range decreases their ability to release nitrogen from organic matter.
Nutrient Leaching
- Calcium, nitrogen, potassium, magnesium, sodium, and sulfur rapidly leach out of soils at pH < 5.
Nutrient Availability
- Phosphorus is never readily soluble in the soil, but it is most available around pH 6.5.
- Low pH can induce deficiencies of micronutrients such as manganese, molybdenum, copper, and boron.
Toxic Elements
- Aluminium, iron, and manganese may become toxic to plant growth below pH 5.
