soil pH

13 years ago

I've recently become interested in conifers, and esp. something other than the White and Austrian Pines, and Norway and Blue spruces that dominate my area. Nothing against those except that EVERYBODY seems to have one of them.

However, I'm mildly concerned about the pH of my soil. I did a soil test recently, and my pH is 6.8-since most conifers are "acid loving" - is that too high? In fact, most plants I like seem to want "slightly acid" soil in the 6.5 range.

Is there anything I can really do about it? I'm near Columbus, OH if that matters.

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Comments (5)

ericwi
13 years ago
People grow blueberries in Indiana and Ohio, & blueberries need soil pH around 4.5 to thrive. There are several ways to lower soil pH-the one that I am most experienced with is by using agricultural sulfur. Sulfur is not an acid, it must be metabolized by bacteria living in the soil before the pH will begin to come down. So it takes a month or two for the process to begin, and a year or two for the process to complete. There has to be warmth and moisture present, as well. The soil testing lab you are using can make a specific recommendation on how much sulfur to use, or, you can learn how to test soil pH, and monitor the process on your own.
Kimmsr
13 years ago
Most all plants will grow well in soils with a "slightly acidic" pH in the 6.2 to 6.8 range. Keep in mind that 7.0 is neutral. Many conifers do quite well when the soil pH is in the 5.5 range, but will still grow quite well when the soil pH is in that 6.2 to 6.8 range when the soil has adequate levels of organic matter.
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joeschmoe80
Original Author
13 years ago
I haven't had any noticeable issues with anything I have grown so far, but I wonder if throwing a little garden sulfur would help for such plants, or if keeping it up down the road is more difficult or expensive than it is worth.
jimbobfeeny
13 years ago
I've had plenty of success with blueberries and azaleas here in Central Indiana - The soil PH around here ranges from 5.5-6.8. The loams tend to be closer to neutral, whereas the higher, more claybound soils are a bit lower in PH. One of our farms has an area of soil with a PH of 4.5! (Needless to say, it needed some lime - Soybeans don't do well in highly acidic soil)

I've found that while acidity is important, what blueberries and most other acid lovers really prefer is a loose, well-drained, loamy soil. Most nurseries say to throw a handfull of sulfur around the plants to keep the soil PH down a little. I've even found that rhododendrons will grow fine in a slightly acidic soil (6.2-6.5) provided that the soil is loose, moist, and well-drained.
toxcrusadr
13 years ago
I would think if 'everyone in town' has a pine or spruce, they must like your local soil just fine...