A SHORT COURSE ON SOIL pH

One thing that fruit trees (and berries) require is to have the “taste” of the soil to their liking, as well as soil that provides adequate fertilizer. Soil pH is very complicated and must not be overlooked by the gardener.

This subject can be rather “dry” reading. Due to this, some beginning gardeners fail to appreciate its importance. Just think of the kid with a fussy appetite. Some are very particular about their likes and dislikes.

Soil pH differs for each type of fruit tree or plant, and can make all the difference between a bumper crop or a meager one. And it can make all the difference between a tree that begins to produce fruit early, or one that takes an extra few years.

RELATED ARTICLE: CHOOSING THE PERFECT FRUIT TREE

SOIL pH – – – WHAT IT ALL MEANS

pH means Potential Hydrogen.
The pH scale goes all the way to 14.
Neutral pH is 7.0.
Lower than 7.0 pH is Acidic.
Higher than 7.0 pH is Alkaline.
In Acidic soils, calcium and magnesium are limited.
In Alkaline soils, phosphorus, iron, and zinc are limited.
Acidic soil is called “sour.”
Alkaline soil is called “sweet.”

RELATED ARTICLE: HOW TO CORRECT SOIL pH

THE SIMPLE WAY TO UNDERSTAND SOIL pH

The language is sometimes confusing for there is more than one way to say the same thing. Such as:

To reduce Acidity, you raise the pH. In other words, you make it more Alkaline.
To increase Acidity. you lower the pH.
To reduce Alkalinity, you lower the pH. In other words, you make it more Acidic.
To increase Alkalinity, you raise the pH.

HAPPY PLANTING! Susan

For more in-depth information on GROWING YOUR OWN FRUIT

A SHORT COURSE ON SOIL pH