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The soil pH usually increases when the total alkalinity increases, but the balance of the added cations also has a marked effect on the soil pH. For example, increasing the amount of sodium in an alkaline soil tends to induce dissolution of calcium carbonate , which increases the pH.
Water with excess H 3 O + ions is called acid (pH < 7), and water with excess OH – ions is called alkaline or rather basic (pH > 7). Soil moisture with pH < 4 is called very acid and with pH > 10 very alkaline (basic). H 2 CO 3 (carbonic acid) is unstable and produces H 2 O (water) and CO 2 (carbon dioxide gas, escaping into the atmosphere).
In soil science, agriculture and gardening, hardpan or soil pan is a dense layer of soil, usually found below the uppermost topsoil layer. [1] There are different types of hardpan, all sharing the general characteristic of being a distinct soil layer that is largely impervious to water. Some hardpans are formed by deposits in the soil that fuse ...
The preceding tables are for a multipurpose grade and certain levels can alter with regard to soil pH. Standards also exist for specialist soils suitable for plants with specific needs including acidic or ericaceous soil and calcareous soil. These have different pH levels to typical soil and are meant for growing different plant species.
Soil acidification is the buildup of hydrogen cations, which reduces the soil pH. Chemically, this happens when a proton donor gets added to the soil. The donor can be an acid , such as nitric acid , sulfuric acid , or carbonic acid .
In agriculture, a soil test commonly refers to the analysis of a soil sample to determine nutrient content, composition, and other characteristics such as the acidity or pH level. A soil test can determine fertility , or the expected growth potential of the soil which indicates nutrient deficiencies, potential toxicities from excessive ...
Soil bulk density, when determined at standardized moisture conditions, is an estimate of soil compaction. [3] Soil porosity consists of the void part of the soil volume and is occupied by gases or water. Soil consistency is the ability of soil materials to stick together. Soil temperature and colour are self-defining.
[2] [9] For the soil a pH of 4.5 to 8.2 is needed. [ 2 ] [ 9 ] The plant prefers a fertile, humus-rich, well-drained alluvial soil but also grows well in suboptimal soil conditions. [ 10 ] Before sowing, the soil is prepared carefully by plowing and the seeds are broadcast or dribbled behind the plow in the wet season.