Can I identify pH issues without tools?

When it comes to soil pH testing, it is not always about using instruments; we can receive some very clear signals from our plants. Yellow leaves with green veins indicate that the soil has become too alkaline for plant growth, resulting in irritation from lack of iron. Purple stems whisper to us that plants are suffering phosphorus starvation due to low pH in acidic soils. I recall visiting a client who was concerned their carrots were not growing due to low nitrogen, but their orange roots were a clear indication of pH 4.8 aluminum toxicity!

Regional geology intensifies the challenges. Limestone-rich regions suffer chronic alkalinity, I've had bean crops fail until we added 5 pounds/100 square feet (2.3kg/9.3m²) of elemental sulfur. Volcanic zones? Shelving the volatile behaviors, every year, soils derived from volcanic materials are acidic enough to need an annual application of lime dust. The pH is related to your local bedrock.

While there are emergency fixes available, I advise you to use caution, as the incorrect use may lead to plant injury. Aluminum sulfate would harm roots if you over-apply it, which is what one client did when they killed their hydrangeas. For quick, temporary alkaline fixes, I mix 1 cup of vinegar in one gallon of water to apply an emergency soil drench. Any temporary fixes should be retested within 14 days.

Read the full article: Soil pH Testing: 7 Essential Steps for Accurate Results