Paul,

Thank you for the great information. In Calgary, we have to deal with high pH in soil, as well as tap water. Mid summer, our tap water is about 8.3 pH, so rain water is best, but not always feasible. Early spring is especially challenging since we usually have cold temps, the water is cold, swear the glacier is around the corner, and if we end up with a wet spring, the soil takes forever to warm up.

Great info and reference chart. Absorption rate of nutrients & minerals at different pH levels are often not considered when a deficiency is noticeable. Do you have additional research info that includes temperatures/pH in relation to the nutrient uptake? That would be AWESOME!!


Joanne

Hello Paul, I wonder if you know of a simple PH soil test for the home garden, one that doesn't require sending samples somewhere? Thank you for the article.
Josephine.

yes
most seed catalogs and garden centers offer do-it-your self kits for a basic pH test.

Thank you, i will look around and see.
I think one of my gardens might be too acid, it is sandy and the water just runs through the soil like nothing was there.
We have added a lot of organic matter and compost, but it still drains very fast and we have to water a lot more often.
We do have it all mulched so we don't know what else to do to get it to retain some water, here in Texas with the terrible heat and drought it is very important to conserve water as much as possible.
Josephine.

Just keep adding organic material, eventually the drainage will slow down.
Organic material retains water.

Very helpful article Paul. You took the mystery out of understand soil pH. No to test my raised beds to see where they stand in soil balance. : )
I starred this article for easy reference.