What is the importance of soil pH in nurseries?

Soil pH plays a critical role in the health and growth of plants in a nursery. It affects the availability of essential nutrients in the soil. Different plants have specific pH ranges that they prefer; within these ranges, nutrients are dissolved and accessible to plant roots. For example, if the soil is too acidic or too alkaline, certain nutrients may become locked away and unavailable for uptake, leading to deficiencies that can hinder plant growth and development.

Maintaining the appropriate soil pH not only helps ensure that plants can absorb vital nutrients but also promotes a balanced microbial environment that is essential for nutrient cycling in the soil. Consequently, nursery managers routinely test and adjust soil pH to optimize plant health and ensure successful growth outcomes.