Articles: Soil pH and Plant Growth
The pH of the soil has one very important effect on the growth of plants-
it controls the availability of nutrients in the soil. As the chart indicates,
most nutrients are available in the greatest supply around a pH of 6.5.
Also, microorganism activity is suppressed in unbalanced soil pH.
Many times, for instance there is enough iron in the soil but the plants
still show deficiency. That is because in high pH, the iron is not available
in a form the plant can use.
So, adjust your pH to a proper level of 6-7 because your plants will
respond better and it's like getting a free fertilization.
Alkaline Soil
Amount of Sulfur needed per 1,000 sq. ft. to lower pH to 6.5.
Soil pH Sand Loam Clay
8.5 35-40 40-50 50-60
8.0 25-30 30-40 40-50
7.5 10-15 14-20 20-25
Acidic Soil
Amount of Limestone needed per 1,000 sq. ft. to raise pH to 6.5.
Soil pH Sand Loam Clay
6.0 20 35 50
5.5 45 75 100
5.0 65 110 150
Note: It will take 2-6 months after application of material for pH change
to take effect. In some soils, the amount of calcium carbonate will affect
the Sulfur's ability to lower pH.
