IndexFactors affecting soil pHChanging soil pHIncreasing acidic soil pHDecreasing alkaline soil pHWater PHImportanceMeasuringWater quality and pHSoil pH and organic matter influence soil functions and nutrients. In particular, pH influences the performance of pesticides, influences the solubility of nutrients and the decomposition of organic matter. To understand nutrient availability and growing conditions for the normal growth of specific crops it is important to understand the factors that influence soil pH and pH on nutrient availability. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Soil organic matter serves several functions in soil, including nutrient retention, soil water-holding capacity, and soil aggregation. It is a key indicator of soil quality. Soil organic matter levels have declined over the last century in most soils due to overgrazing and the conversion of grasslands to cropland. Soil pH: Soil pH is determined through the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+). Soil pH is a measure of the alkalinity and acidity of soil solutions (soil water with its dissolved substances), on a scale ranging from 0 to 14. Acidic soils have a pH lower than 7 and Basic solutions have a pH greater than 7. By definition, the pH is measured on the negative logarithm of the concentration of hydrogen ions. As the concentration of hydrogen ions increases, the pH decreases. Soil pH influenced by both base-forming and acid-forming cations in the soil. Common acid-forming cations are iron, aluminum, and hydrogen, while base-forming cations are potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sodium. The optimal pH of many plants is between 5.5 and 7.5. However, some plants adapt to pH values ​​outside this range. The methods for determining pH are as follows. Observation of the soil profile: some profile characters may perhaps be indicators of acidic, alkaline or saline conditions. Using inexpensive test kits in which a small sample is mixed with solutions having indicators that change color based on acidity. Using litmus paper small sample mixed in distilled water, strip of litmus paper inserted into it. If the soil is acidic, the paper turns red and if it is basic, it will turn blue. Using the electronic pH meter, solid state electrodes or glass in the soil with moisture or in the soil with water mixture, read the pH on a screen having a digital display. Factors that influence soil pH The natural pH of soil depends on the composition of minerals in the soil parent material and the atmospheric reactions to which the parent material is subjected. In warm environments, soil acidification occurs as a product of weathering released by the flow of water through the soil. While in dry environments leaching and atmospheric agents are lower and the pH of the soil is neutral or alkaline. Nutrient availability in relation to soil pH: Soil pH affects nutrient availability to plants: Aluminum toxicity affects plant growth. However, by limiting root growth, it reduces nutrient availability. Due to root damage, nutrient uptake is reduced and macronutrient deficiency is found in highly acidic to ultra acidic soils. The availability of molybdenum increases when the pH is high because the molybdate ion is more effectively absorbed by the clay particles.