Connecting Soil pH and Fertilization for Healthy Turf

Article By: Matthew Lenhardt
Citrus County Horticulture Extension Agent
January 20, 2010

Although it is a little early to start thinking about fertilizing your yard, it is a good time to learn about the relationship that exists between soil pH and plant health. Soil pH is a measure of the concentration of Hydrogen ions in the soil. This is important because the level of Hydrogen directly affects the acidity or alkalinity of your soil. A proper pH level is important to allow turf and ornamentals to be able to absorb nutrients or fertilizers efficiently. A pH scale ranges from 1 to 14, with a 7 being considered neutral, pH values less than 7 acidic, and pH levels higher than 7 considered alkaline or basic. Acidic soils are also called “sour” and alkaline soils “sweet”. Soil pH levels vary and some may need to be corrected. In Citrus County, our soils can have pH levels that range from below 4.0 to greater than 7.5.

Macronutrients (nutrients that the plant needs the highest levels of to grow) such as Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, and Sulfur are most readily available for the plant when the soil pH is between 5.5 (slightly acidic) to 7.0 (very slightly alkaline). Micronutrients (nutrients that are important but are not needed in as great a quantity for plant growth) such as Iron, Manganese, Boron, Copper, and Zinc, are most readily available for plant uptake when the soil pH is in a more acidic range, typically 5.0 – 6.5. The recommended soil pH level can vary depending on the turf or plant species. Turf and ornamentals can take in nutrients when the pH is not exactly ideal, although they will not be as efficiently absorbed which can cause nutrient deficiencies and other plant health problems. A soil pH test is recommended if you are not sure of your soil’s pH or if you are not getting a good response from fertilizers. Soil pH tests are performed at the Citrus County Extension office for a $3.00 charge. Care should also be given to choose turf or plants that are suited for your particular soil for a healthier, more care-free landscape.

For information on this subject, I will be offering a course called “Fertilizer Basics” at the Citrus County Extension office in Lecanto on January 28, 2009, at 10 a.m. Seating is limited. Anyone interested is asked to please register in advance by calling the Citrus County Extension office at (352) 527-5700. We are located in the Citrus County government complex at 3650 W. Sovereign Path, Ste.1, Lecanto, FL, 34461. As a part of the University of Florida we are research information based program available to all.

Citrus County Extension links the public with the University of Florida/IFAS’s knowledge, research, and resources to address youth, family, community, and agricultural needs. Programs and activities offered by the Extension Service are available to all persons without regard to race, color, handicap, sex, religion, or national origin. Citrus County – Providing Solutions for Your Life.

For persons with disabilities requiring special accommodations, please contact our office at least five working days prior to the program so that proper consideration may be given to the request. For hearing impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Center at 1-800-955-8770 (voice) or 1-800 –955-8771 (TDD).

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