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PH balance info graph

Importance of pH


Why is this important?

PH balance info graph

PH balance info graph

More About Why the Soil pH level of your lawn is important.


Soil Chemistry and the Importance of Maintaining a balanced pH

All tiny particles in the soil including minerals, organic matter, (humus) and microbial life carry electrical charges. These charges are called ions. Ions with a positive charge are called cations and particles with a negative charge are called anions. Positively charged particles are electrically attracted to negatively charged particles. This is what happens when opposite ends of magnets attract each other. Even microorganisms in the soil carry electrical charges. If it wasn't for the operation of this weak electrical charge in holding mineral nutrients on the surface of clay and humus particles, the mineral nutrients would be quickly leached away by water. Why does this matter? The surfaces of plant root hairs carry their own negative electrical charges. Grass plant root hairs use this electrical attraction to increase their ability to attract and absorb positively charged nutrients from the soil. The pH reading indicates the concentration of hydrogen ions in the soil solution. The more hydrogen ions, which are positively charged particles or cations, the lower the pH level of the soil, making the soil more acidic. The organic acids, produced from organic decay in the soil, drive the soil pH lower. Lawn fertilizers are acidic and contribute to lowering the pH level of the soil too. It is the pH level that influences the quantity and type of microorganisms that live in the soil, and these microorganisms have a great influence on the health of grass plants.

An Additional Consideration: subsoil acidity!

Even if the top six inches of the lawn indicates a pH reading of above 6.0, the subsoil may still be very acidic, with a much lower pH reading. When subsoil pH readings drop below 5, aluminun and manganese in the soil become much more soluble in water. This can create a toxic condition for lawn grass plants, which will inhibit their growth and health. Since lime penetrates most lawn soils at the rate of about one inch per year, the necessity of a long term liming program becomes apparent in the development of a vigorous, deeply rooted lawn that can withstand heat and drought stress. This is also why Jonathan Green's MAG-I-CAL is a good choice, it quickly penetrates deep into the soil, containing 35% soluble calcium and humates, to balance soil pH faster.


How can I determine my Soil's pH?

PH balance info graph