Soil Chemical Properties and pH

Current soil conditions.

Reserve acidity releases hydrogen ions into the soil solution.

Calcium ($Ca^{2+}$), magnesium ($Mg^{2+}$), and potassium ($K^{+}$).

<p>The proportion of cation exchange sites occupied by base cations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Percent base saturation = [(K+ + Ca2+ + Mg2+ + Na+)/CEC] x 100.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A high proportion of sodium relative to calcium and magnesium.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Releases plant-available nutrients over time.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>ESP = (exchangeable sodium/CEC) x 100.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Soil pH is the measure of acidity or alkalinity in soil, determined by the concentration of hydrogen (H+) and hydroxide (OH-) ions. It affects nutrient availability and reactions, influencing plant health.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A pH range between 5.5 and 6.5. This range allows for an optimal balance of major nutrients and trace elements available for plant uptake.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Below pH 4.8, aluminum can become toxic to plants. It can also combine with phosphorus, making phosphorus less available to plants.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>At a low pH, elements like iron, aluminum, and manganese can become toxic to plants, while other nutrients become less available.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Molybdenum is less available to plants at a low (acidic) pH.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Soil properties are features of the soil like texture, depth, or organic matter. Soil processes are actions or reactions within the soil, like water percolation or organic matter breakdown.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Soil pH is measured by determining the concentration of hydrogen (H+) and hydroxyl (OH-) ions in the soil. A pH less than 7 is acidic, 7 is neutral, and greater than 7 is alkaline.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Soil chemical properties reflect the influence between soil solution and exchange sites, impacting plant health, nutritional requirements, and the bioavailability of soil contaminants.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Properties that affect nutrient availability and plant health in soil.

A measure of soil acidity or alkalinity, ranging from 0 to 14.

A pH range between 5.5 to 6.5 is optimal for most plants.

Soil pH below 5 negatively impacts plant growth and nutrient uptake.

Close to neutral, optimal for acid-sensitive plants; some trace elements may be insufficient.

At pH below 5, aluminum and manganese can become toxic to plants.

At low pH, many nutrients are less available, while some become toxic.

Soil pH influences microbial activity; it slows down at lower pH levels.

At high pH, calcium binds phosphorus, making it unavailable to plants.

Soil pH indicating current acidity due to hydrogen ions (H+).

Hydrogen ions in soil that can be released to neutralize acidity.

Measure of a soil’s ability to hold positively charged nutrients (cations).

Proportion of cation exchange sites occupied by base cations like K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and Na+.

Proportion of sodium (Na+) relative to calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+).

Measurement of plant and animal residues in soil that benefits fertility.

Percentage of soil exchange sites occupied by sodium (Na+) compared to CEC.