Home
Back
pH and pOH Equations:
| From: | To: |
pH and pOH are measures of acidity and alkalinity in aqueous solutions. pH represents the negative logarithm of hydrogen ion concentration, while pOH represents the negative logarithm of hydroxide ion concentration. For soil analysis, pH measurement is crucial for understanding nutrient availability and soil health.
The calculator uses the pH and pOH equations:
Where:
Explanation: The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Lower values indicate acidity, higher values indicate alkalinity. The sum of pH and pOH always equals 14 at 25°C.
Details: Soil pH affects nutrient availability, microbial activity, and plant growth. Most plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Accurate pH measurement helps in determining appropriate soil amendments and fertilizers.
Tips: Enter hydrogen ion concentration in mol/L. The value must be greater than 0. The calculator will automatically compute both pH and pOH values.
Q1: What is the ideal pH range for most agricultural soils?
A: Most crops grow best in soil with pH between 6.0 and 7.0, though some plants have specific pH requirements.
Q2: How does soil pH affect nutrient availability?
A: Soil pH influences the solubility and availability of essential nutrients. Extreme pH levels can make certain nutrients unavailable to plants or cause toxicity.
Q3: How often should soil pH be tested?
A: Soil pH should be tested every 2-3 years, or more frequently if amending soil pH or growing pH-sensitive crops.
Q4: What factors can affect soil pH?
A: Parent material, rainfall, organic matter, fertilizer use, and cropping history can all influence soil pH over time.
Q5: How can soil pH be adjusted?
A: Lime is used to raise pH (reduce acidity), while sulfur or aluminum sulfate is used to lower pH (increase acidity).