Soil Acidity and pH Management

Flashcards covering key concepts related to soil acidity, pH management, and their implications for soil health and crop growth.

Soil Acidity

The level of acid present in soil, influencing nutrient availability and biological activity.

pH Scale

A logarithmic scale used to specify the acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution, ranging from 0 (acidic) to 14 (alkaline).

Hydrogen Ion (H+)

A positively charged ion that determines the acidity of a solution; higher concentrations lead to lower pH values.

Alkalinity

The capacity of soil or water to neutralize acids, usually indicated by high concentrations of bicarbonate and carbonate ions.

Neutral Soil

Soil with a pH value between 6.6 and 7.3, indicating balanced levels of acidity and alkalinity.

Active Acidity

The level of H+ ions in soil solution, which is reflected by soil pH measurements.

Reserve Acidity

The store of H+ ions held on soil particles that can dissociate into the soil solution, affecting potential soil acidity.

Buffering Capacity

soil’s ability to resupply an ion to the soil solution.

Aluminum Toxicity

Condition that arises when aluminum ions reach harmful levels in acidic soils, negatively affecting plant growth.

Calcareous Soil

Soil that contains significant amounts of calcium carbonate, typically possessing a higher pH and reducing acidity.

Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)

The total amount of positive charges that a soil can adsorb

Lime Requirement

The amount of lime required to change a soils pH to a desired pH

Alkaline Soils

Soils with a pH above 7, often characterized by high levels of calcium carbonate.

Soil Buffer Capacity

The capacity of soil to maintain its pH level despite the addition of acids or bases.

Elemental Sulfur

A chemical used to acidify soil, which releases H+ ions when oxidized.

Hydrolysis

A chemical process that splits water molecules to release H+ ions typically involved in buffering capacity.