Role of PH in soil [Nutrient Availability]
Availability of all nutrient depend on soil PH. Generally macro nutrients with Mo availability increase as soil PH increase. On the other hand, availability of micro nutrient except Mo decreases with the increases of soil PH. This is suitable PH for available of all nutrient is around 6.5 7.5.
P availability: These element (p) availability is maximum when soil PH range 6 7.5. The availability of P in acid soils (low PH) is hamper due to formation of Fe, Al, Mn phosphate.
(i) Al(OH)3 + H2PO4 → Al(OH)2-H2PO4 + OH- → Al(OH)2
(ii) Fe(OH)3 + H2PO4 → Fe(OH)2H2PO4 + OH- → Fe(OH)2 P deficiency is very likely in low PH. e.g. Modhupur.
(iii) P fixation occurred in calcareous soil up to 8.5 PH and increases the availability of P.
CaCO3 + H2PO4 → Ca3(PO4)2 + CO2 ↑ + H2O
Zn availability: Zinc availability is low at high soil PH due to the formation of insoluble Zn(OH)2 or ZnCO3.
Zn2+ + H2O → Zn(OH)2+ H+ Zn2+ + CaCO3 → ZnCO3+ Ca2+
Toxicity of Al, Fe and Mn: In strong acidic soil (PH < 5) toxicity of Al, Fe and Mn may arise. They are more soluble in acidic condition and absorption is more, as a result toxicity arise.
Microbial activity: Generally bacteria are active in neutral and slightly alkaline soils while fungi are active in acidic soil. So, organic matter decomposition, N2 fixation and nitrification are tremendously reduce when soil PH below 5.5. CO(NH2)2 → NH4+ → NO2 → NO3
You can read more articles about Soil Science
Useful Agricultural Websites
