Agriculture
Nutrients availability at different pH value
The pH value measures the ratio of H+ ions to OH-base ions in the soil. If the soil solution has more H+, the soil is acidic. If the OH-dominates, the soil is alkaline. The equal balance between them is neutral and its value 7.0. The soil pH value interacts with the mineral nutrients. Availability is determined by the soil pH and varies for each nutrient. High or low pH causes toxicity and decreases microbiological life in the soil.
Sodium raises pH and destroys soil structure. High pH makes elements such iron zinc and manganese less soluble. Low pH leads to continuous acidification in the soil. Acidification can be the result of the excessive use of fertiliser, or it can also occur naturally. For example, a mass of vegetation in a warm and moist condition during decomposition produces high quantities of carbon dioxide. In another instance, acidic cations in large amounts replace the natural nutrients and cause acidity in the soil. Strong and extremely acidic soils are deficient in calcium and magnesium. Alkaline and strong alkaline soils contain high levels of free limes. Extremely alkaline soils are usually sodic soils. The positively charged sodium ions attract the negatively charged soil particles. The soil particles move close to each other, which creates a soil compaction. As a result, the water infiltration into the soil is slow and organic matter dissolution is possible. Root penetration is also extremely difficult.
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Calcium Deficiency
Calcium is one of the most important plant nutrients. It is important to build a strong structure of cell membranes, and plays an important role in the metabolism of nitrogen, protein and formation of potassium absorption. Calcium deficiencies are usually...
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Acid Precipitation
forest damaged by acid rain Acid precipitation is rain, snow, or mist which has a pH lower than unpolluted precipitation. Increased levels of acid precipitation have significant effects on food chains and ecosystems. Precipitation?rain, snow, hail, sleet,...
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Ph And Nutrition In Hydroponics
Water also is known as H20 because it has two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom for each water molecule. From this base molecule, it can accept an additional hydrogen ion to become H3O, and become acidic. It can also lose a hydrogen ion to become HO,...
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What Does Organic Matter Do In Soil?
By Eddie FunderburgOf all the components of soil, organic matter is probably the most important and most misunderstood. Organic matter serves as a reservoir of nutrients and water in the soil, aids in reducing compaction and surface crusting, and increases...
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Soil Basics
Soils are vital, fragile, finite natural resources that are essential for the sustained production of food and fiber. Soils, however, are subject to degradation and erosion when mismanaged. Between 1950 and 1993, grain area per person worldwide decreased...
Agriculture