soil acidity and alkalinity
Assessing soil acidity and alkalinity is a crucial aspect of agricultural and horticultural management, directly impacting plant growth and nutrient absorption. Here are several common methods: 1. Judging by Soil Color Acidic soil: Typically darker in color, often dark brown. Alkaline soil: Mostly lighter in color, such as white or yellow. In some saline-alkali areas, a layer of white salt and alkali often forms on the soil surface. 2. Judging by Soil Texture Acidic soil: Loose and highly permeable. Alkaline soil: Hard and prone to compaction, with poor permeability. 3. Judging by Handfeel Acidic soil: Feels soft when held in the hand and easily breaks apart when released. Alkaline soil: Feels firm when held in the hand and easily clumps together when released. 4. Judging by Watering: Acidic soil: Water seeps quickly after watering, with no white bubbles and a murky surface. Alkaline soil: After watering, water seeps slowly into the soil, producing white bubbles and foam, and som...