<tc>pH value - fundamentally crucial in gardening for soil and plant health</tc>

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pH-Wert - Grundlegend entscheidend beim Gärtnern für Boden und Pflanzengesundheit
In the garden, the pH value determines the life and death of plants. Through a number of chemical and biological processes, it determines the activity of soil life, the availability of important nutrients and is responsible for an airy and crumbly soil structure.
An unfavorable pH value in the soil can lead to certain substances not being absorbed by the plants, even if they are sufficiently available in the soil. The acidity of the soil directly determines plant growth, so it is worth looking into the pH value. To simplify this, I am giving an overview here so that you can get to know the pH value and be able to use it.

History – pH Basics

The letters 'pH' stand for [potentia Hydrogenii], which is Latin for "potential/power of hydrogen". This describes the content and activity of hydrogen in the soil.
In 1909, the Danish chemist Søren Sørensen defined the term pH value for the concentration of hydrogen ions, written “pH+”.
The pH value is a measure of the acid-base character of liquids. On a scale from 0 to 14, the pH value is described as acidic, neutral and alkaline with a single number. The concentration of positively charged hydrogen ions in the soil liquid is measured. The higher the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+), the lower the pH value.
What are hydrogen ions?

A hydrogen ion is, strictly speaking, the nucleus of a hydrogen atom separated from its accompanying electron. The hydrogen nucleus consists of a particle that carries a positive electrical charge: the proton, represented by the symbol H+.

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Die pH-Skala reicht von 0 bis 14 - Die meisten Böden bewegen sich in Bereichen von 4 bis 9

Background knowledge - Why the pH value is crucial

Different nutrients and minerals are only available to plants in a certain environment. This varies depending on the plant species.
Plants can absorb nutrients through their roots, provided they have been dissolved in soil fluids. Main nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur and magnesium are readily available to plants in a pH range of 6 to 8. Trace elements such as iron, copper, zinc, manganese and boron, on the other hand, can be absorbed more easily by the roots in an acidic environment.
Most plants prefer a slightly acidic to neutral environment. Forest soil with humus-rich soil is naturally slightly acidic and has a value of around 5.5 to 6.5. Only a few plant species tolerate a value below 5 and above 9. If the pH value is too high or too low for a plant, plants can die, seeds are inhibited from germinating or it leads to stunted growth. However, plants thrive and reproduce abundantly in a suitable pH value.
Central European soils are optimal for the majority of our crops and have an average pH value of 5.5 to 7. More specific plants tend to thrive on southern European soils and are more acidic than 5.5 in certain regions and more alkaline in other regions, with a value of over 7. This means that it is often necessary to work and change the soil in subtropical areas in order to achieve good plant growth.

Tip

To know the different pH values ​​of each individual plant, you can find the value for each variety in the product description on my website.

Test the soil pH

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Bodenanalyse mit einem handelsüblichen Messgerät
The pH value in the soil can be tested using a pH test strip, a digital soil tester or a comprehensive soil analysis by a laboratory. A wide range of options is available for each of these three options.

Notice

It is important to note that "the respective test method influences the result obtained and differences can occur with different measurement methods." This is primarily influenced by the temperature and the substances dissolved in the water. Measurements are usually carried out at 25°C and using distilled water or calcium chloride suspensions. The exception is digital measuring devices that measure current flowing directly in the soil through two measuring electrodes and then interpret it as a pH value.
I can recommend using only one measuring method on a permanent basis. Because the exact value is not important, but rather that you get a feel for the different ranges and the differences. Because the pH value only tells you something about the actual acid and base content to a limited extent. It is more of a rough guide and should be used as such.
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Bodenanalyse durch ein Labor

How can the pH value be changed?

If it is suspected or recognized that the pH is in an unfavorable range, the soil pH can be adjusted to change it to the acidic or alkaline range. There are several ways to do this, here is an overview of the different options.

Raise pH value (alkaline)

  • Kalk
Kalk wird aus Bodenkalkstein oder Kreide hergestellt und kann über einen längeren Zeitraum effektiv alkalisieren. Es ist ein sehr beliebter Bodenzusatz, der über einen Zeitraum von ein bis zwei Jahr den Boden pH-Wert erhöht.

  • Holzasche  
Asche von verbrannten Holz erhöht den pH-Wert und enthält gleichzeitig auch Kalzium und Kalium sowie kleinere mengen Magnesium und Phosphor, wodurch die Fruchtbarkeit der Böden verbessert wird. 

  • Natron 
Natron, auch als Natriumbicarbonat bekannt, kann zügig den pH-Wert anheben, schneller als Kalk, jedoch ist die Langzeitwirkung geringer und muss öfter in den Boden eingearbeitet werden. Muscheln, Austern oder Schneckenhäuser enthalten Calciumcarbonat.


Reduce pH value (acidic)

  • Kaffeesatz
Der Kaffeesatz senkt den pH-Wert des Bodens stark und wirkt gleichzeitig als Dünger. 

  • Organisches Material
Bei der Zersetzung von organischem Material sinkt ebenfalls der pH-Wert. Geeignet sind hier Torfmoos, Kompost, Mist oder auch kompostierte Blätter. 

  • Schwefel und Eisensulfat
  • Bei schwere Böden eignen sich Schwefel und Eisensulfat, die beide zu einer Versauerung des Bodens beitragen

    • Traubentrester
    Aus der Weinherstellung eignet sich Traubentrester zum herabsenken des pH-Wert. Dies sind die Pressrückstände beim Keltern der Weintrauben, alle festen Pflanzenbestandteile wie Schalen und Kerne.

  • Nadelerde und Rindenmulch
  • Nadelerde oder auch Rindenmulch von Nadelhölzern eignet sich hervorragend zum Mulchen, der gleichzeitig eine Versauerung verursacht.

    Just as it is important for plants, an optimal pH value is also important for soil organisms in order to convert organic substances into humus and thus make ingredients available to plants. In order to ensure long-term, healthy growth, a value that is somewhat adapted to the plants is necessary. With a little patience and knowledge of this background, the pH value can easily be changed in the desired direction.

    Indicator plants - they show us the pH value in the soil

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    Sauerampfer - Zeigerpflanze für saure Böden
    In addition to the test methods already mentioned, wild plants can also serve as indicators for the pH value in the soil. The genera and species that are suitable as indicators are specialized in a very narrow pH value spectrum. I have listed plants that show us what pH value we find in the soil here:
     
    Plant indicators for acidic soils
    • Blueberry [Vaccinium myrtillus] 
    • Heather [Calluna vulgaris] 
    • Lingonberry [Vaccinium vitis-idaea] 
    • Sundew [Drosera] 
    • Golden-Chamomile [Cota] 
    • Small Sorrel [Rumex acetosella] 
    • Calluna [Calluna vulgaris]  
    • Oxeye Daisy [Leucanthemum vulgare] 
    • Lawn Daisy [Bellis perennis] 
    • Yorkshire Fog [Holcus lanatus] 
    • Wild Mint [Mentha arvensis] 
    • Arnica [Arnica] 
    • Matgrass [Nardus stricta] 
    • Oxalis [Oxalis] 
    • Fire weed [Chamaenerion angustifolium] 
    • Kiwi [Actinidia deliciosa]
     

    Plant indicators for alkaline soils

    • Charlock [Sinapis arvensis] 
    • Birdseye Speedwell [Veronica chamaedrys] 
    • Kidneyvetch [Anthyllis vulneraria] 
    • Nodding plumeless-thistle [Carduus nutans] 
    • Forking Larkspur [Consolida regalis] 
    • Common chicory [Cichorium intybus] 
    • Meadow Sage [Salvia pratensis] 
    • Lavender [Lavandula angustifolia]
     
    Other indicators
    The color of red plants such as red cabbage is also suitable for roughly determining the pH value. In very acidic soils, the red of the leaves or the juice obtained turns a very deep reddish color, whereas in a more neutral soil the red turns more blue-green.
    Plants that grow healthy and in large numbers in the garden can be used to estimate the pH value in the soil.
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