What is pH-
pH is the negative logrithum of the Hydrogen ion concentration.
The term of pH is given by S.P. L. Sorensonin 1909. The pH scale is 0 to 14.
The pH scale is logarithmic and inversely indicates the concentration of hydrogen ions in the solution (a lower pH indicates a higher concentration of hydrogen ions).
is because the formula used to calculate pH approximates the negative of the base 10 logarithm of the molar concentration[a] of hydrogen ions in the solution.
More pH More preciselis the negative of the base 10 logarithm of the activity of the hydrogen ion.
At 25 °C, solutions with a pH less than 7 are acidic, and solutions with a pH greater than 7 are basic.
The neutral value of the pH depends on the temperature, being lower than 7 if the temperature increases.
The pH value can be less than 0 for very strong acids, or greater than 14 for very strong bases.
The pH of aqueous solutions can be measured with a glass electrode and a pH meter, or a color changing indicator.
Measurements of pH are important in chemistry, agronomy, medicine, water treatment, and many other applications.
pH is defined as the decimal logarithm of the reciprocal of the hydrogen ion activity, aH+, in a solution.[3]
For example, for a solution with a hydrogen ion activity of 5×10−6 (at that level, this is essentially the number of moles of hydrogen ions per liter of solution)
Importent role of pH -
The pH is important because it influences the availability of essential nutrients.
Most horticultural crops will grow satisfactorily in soils having a pH between 6 (slightly acid) and 7.5 (slightly alkaline).
Since most garden soils in Iowa are in this range, most gardeners experience few problems with soil pH.
There are a few plants that require a soil pH of 4.5 to 5.5. These "acid-loving" plants include azaleas, rhododendrons, and blueberries.
The pH soil for these plants can be lowered by incorporating elemental sulfur (S) into the soil.S
The soil acidifying response to elemental sulfur is slow, it should be applied and incorporated a year before planting.
Working Canadian sphagnum peat into the soil is another method to lower pH.
A highly visible example of the role of soil pH in the availability of nutrients can often be seen in pin oaks. M
Many pin oaks in the Midwest suffer from iron chlorosis which is characterized by yellowish green foliage.
The yellowing of the leaves is caused by a deficiency of iron within the plant. Most Iowa soils contain sufficient quantities of iron for good plant growth and leaf coloration.
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