Importance of pH on Nutrient Availability

12 July 2019
Even if all the essential elements are present in the soil as a result of fertilising, they are not necessarily available to plants.  Availability of minerals to the plant depends on the pH of the soil.
Influence of pH on Nutrient Availability 3

There is considered to be an optimum pH when the most essential elements are available to the soil.  That pH is between 6.0 and 7.0 as evidenced in the chart to the left.

If your soil pH is less than optimum then you will need to apply either Ag-Lime or CalMag (Dolomite), both of which will raise the pH of the soil.  See our blog on Soil Conditioners.  Soil Conditioners improving the soil

Don't know the pH of your soil, or haven't had a soil test recently ?

Before adding anything to your soil, get an independent soil test.  We cannot recommend the "independent" part strongly enough.

Find out the pH, you might be surprised that your soil already has a lot of the minerals that are needed, but just has the wrong pH and therefore those minerals will not be available.  If your pH is not right, adding fertilizers is just a waste of money, until you correct the pH.

Remember that the pH of the soil will change, and so make sure that soil tests are part of the maintenance cycle.

To avoid disappointing results from fertiliser application:

  • Do get a soil test before applying anything
  • Make sure it is an independent soil test
  • Do have soil tests on a regular basis, especially with intensive fertiliser application / intensive farming

If you're looking for quality Ag-Lime products, get in touch with us to see how we can help.

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