When it comes to measuring the pH level of a soil, the resulting measurements are identified as alkaline, acidic or neutral. The pH scale begins at zero and ends at fourteen.
If the pH test results say that the measure is seven, which is at the middle of zero and fourteen, the pH level is considered as normal.
If the test results are below seven, the soil is acidic and the lower the number is, the more acidic the soil is. If the test results show a number that is above seven, the soil is alkaline and as the number gets greater, the more alkaline the soil is.
To test your soil for pH levels, you can bring samples taken from different areas of the garden to bring to a nursery that has a testing center, or you can buy a home pH test.
Alkaline soil is sometimes called ?sweet soil?. It contains a high amount of calcium, magnesium, and sodium and is not as soluble as acidic soil.
If the alkaline level is quite high, it will not have elements like phosphorous and iron. This type of soil naturally occurs in arid, dry, desert conditions that has very little rainfall.
There are many plants that will thrive in soil that is alkaline by nature. Desert plants are one of these because these soil conditions are what they are accustomed to, but it is necessary for the soil to have good drainage properties.
Flowering plants like lilac, lavender, calendula, chrysanthemum, iris, periwinkle, and clematis will grow well in such conditions.
Herbs such as Russian sage, Globe thistle, Oriental poppy, Oregano, and Thyme prefer this type soil. Vegetables like celery, cucumber, cauliflower, and cabbage can also be planted in alkaline soil.
There are several ways to amend the soil to make it less alkaline. Adding sulfur based fertilizer or incorporating organic matter like cottonseed meal and peat moss can effective lower the alkaline level of the soil.
Watering soil with ?hard water? that has high lime content can help reduce alkaline level. Another option that you have is to create a raised bed made of topsoil so that you do not have to wait for the lengthy amendment process.
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