How to determine soil acidity: a simple method

Garden crops, trees, and flowers have preferences for soil acidity. This is the main factor that influences the growth and development of plants, as well as the quality of the crop.

Unfavorable acidity can gradually harm the plant. Read the OBOZREVATEL article to learn how to determine soil acidity.

What is the danger of high acidity

Most plants thrive in slightly acidic, neutral, or slightly alkaline soils. High acidity usually inhibits beneficial microflora and affects the absorption of fertilizers. Plants may not receive adequate mineral nutrition, leading to insufficient nutrient absorption.

How to determine soil acidity

Acidity is often assessed using special litmus tests. However, experienced gardeners recommend trying a life hack involving boiling water and currant leaves.

1. Pour hot water into a transparent container and add currant leaves.
2. Allow the water to cool completely.
3. Strain the water and add a clod of soil from the garden.

Observe if the liquid changes color.

The red color indicates that the soil in the area is acidic.

The green color indicates mild acidity.

The blue color indicates a neutral reaction.

What plants like acidic soil

Gardeners even have a list of pH indicator plants. The presence of acidic soil is indicated by:

• daisies
• moss
• plantains
• field horsetail
• mint;
• sorrel.

If a field bindweed begins to grow in your garden, you can be sure that the soil has a neutral or slightly acidic pH.

The growth of wild poppies and field mustard is an indicator of an alkaline soil type.

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL talked about the six best options for flowers for the garden that will grow in any conditions.

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