What does soil pH measure, and why is it important in nutrient management?

Soil pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of the soil, which is critical for nutrient management as it directly influences the availability of essential nutrients to plants. Most nutrients are available to plants within a specific pH range, typically between 6.0 and 7.5. When the soil pH falls outside of this range, certain nutrients can become less available, while others may become toxic.

For example, at low pH (acidic conditions), elements like aluminum can become more soluble and potentially harmful to plants, while nutrients such as phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium may become less available. Conversely, in highly alkaline soils, certain micronutrients like iron and manganese may become unavailable, leading to deficiencies even if these nutrients are present in the soil.

Thus, managing soil pH is essential for optimizing nutrient availability, ensuring that plants can access the nutrients they need for growth and development. Maintaining an appropriate pH not only supports plant health but also promotes efficient fertilizer use, reducing costs and environmental impacts from nutrient runoff.