Soil pH Levels

The measure of soil pH is considered to be important in determining its health and in deciding the plants which would be best grown in it. Let us understand the different concepts related to soil pH in the following paragraphs.

How to Check Soil pH Levels?

The measure of acidity or alkalinity of soil on a scale of 14 is referred to as soil pH. In order to test the soil pH one would require a trowel/spade to dig the soil, distilled water, and a tester. The hole that one digs needs to be 2-4 inches deep. Twigs or other foreign bodies, if any, should be cleared off and the distilled water should then be poured to create a muddy pool. The tester should be calibrated properly, cleaned, and then inserted into the soil. It should be held in the mud for about 1 minute in order to measure the pH. If the reading indicates 7, the soil is neutral. The reading above 7 indicates that it is an alkaline soil, while a reading is below 7 indicated soil that is said to be acidic in nature. This is one of the most common and accepted ways of testing the pH value of soil.

Reason for Testing Soil pH

The pH of soil can also affect the availability of nutrients to plants. One of the reasons behind giving importance to soil pH is that occurrence of some of the diseases is dependent on the pH of the soil. Also, different vegetables and plants require different levels of soil pH to grow. Gardening with improper levels of soil pH can result in a poor yield of crops. Given below are the pH levels required for grass and vegetable, along with the explanation of some of the common terms and equipment used in soil testing.

Soil pH for Grass
A slightly acidic soil is required for proper growth of grass. Soil pH between 6.5 and 7.0 is considered to be suitable for grass. Ground limestone should be added to the soil if the pH is less than 6.5, while sulfur needs to be mixed in an alkaline soil with pH greater than 7.5.

Soil pH for Vegetables
Vegetables need a slightly acidic soil for healthy growth. For most of the vegetables, the pH requirement is between 6 and 7.5. The soil should thus, be tested for the pH in order to grow healthy vegetables. The vegetables, along with a proper pH level, also need well drained and friable soil.

pH Level Tester
The pH tester provides the farmers/gardeners with the readings about the acidity and alkalinity of soil. It is possible to determine which plant to grow in the soil after knowing the soil pH.

pH Level Chart
The pH level chart for different vegetables given below would help in determining the pH levels for gardening. The pH requirements of some of the commonly grown vegetables are provided in the following chart.

Vegetables	Required pH
Cabbage	6.0 - 7.5
Cauliflower	5.5 - 7.5
Cucumber	5.5 - 7.5
Lettuce	6.1 - 7.0
Onion	6.0 - 7.0
Potato	4.5 - 6.0
Pumpkin	5.5 - 7.5
Spinach	6.0 - 7.5
Tomato	5.5 - 7.5
Beans	6.1 - 7.5

Lowering Soil pH

It is necessary to lower soil pH in order to grow plants which prefer acidic soils. One should test the soil and the check the pH. Fertilizers like sulfur coated urea and ammonium sulfate are used in lowering soil pH. Aluminum sulfate or simply sulfur can be dusted to lower the soil pH. This is especially recommended for soils which have a high content of free lime.

While most gardeners and farmers would most likely know all about soil and the pH levels required for different plants, it is less likely that the average individual will know all the details. For those planning on growing vegetables in their garden, or simply for those who want a picture perfect lawn, the above article about soil pH values will definitely come in helpful.