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Line 1: + + − − − + − − − − Soil/media pH is an important parameter that affects fertility through the availability of [[nutrients]] needed to sustain plants and micro-organisms. It also affects the solubility of some elements which, in extreme scenarios, can reach levels toxic to plants and soil micro-organisms and increases − the mobility and the potential for leaching of pollutants such as [[metals]] into the groundwater system. − In humid temperate regions, the optimum soil pH range for most plants is between 6.0 and 7.5 (Craul, 1999). More acidic soils inhibit the solubility of potassium, sulfur, calcium, magnesium and molybdenum, while increasing the solubility of iron, manganese, boron, copper and zinc. + − +
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[[File:Red pH meter reads 4.96.jpg|thumb|pH meter in water.]]
[[File:CSIRO ScienceImage 1739 Testing soil pH.jpg|thumb|Field testing for soil pH]]
==pH in water==
==pH in water==
==Soil or media pH==
==Soil or media pH==
Soil pH is a measure of the hydrogen ion concentration of a mixture of soil (or [[filter media]] or [[green roof media]]) and water.
Soil pH is a measure of the hydrogen ion concentration of a mixture of soil (or [[filter media]] or [[green roof media]]) and water. Neutral soil has a pH value of 7.0. An acidic soil has a pH less than 7 and a basic soil has a pH greater than 7.
Neutral soil has a pH value of 7.0. An acidic soil has a pH less than 7 and a basic soil has a pH greater than 7.
Soil/media pH is an important parameter that affects fertility through the availability of [[nutrients]] needed to sustain plants and micro-organisms. It also affects the solubility of some elements which, in extreme scenarios, can reach levels toxic to plants and soil micro-organisms and increases the mobility and the potential for leaching of pollutants such as [[metals]] into the groundwater system.
The solubility of [[phosphorus]] and [[nitrogen]] are reduced in both acidic and basic soils.
In humid temperate regions, the optimum soil pH range for most plants is between 6.0 and 7.5 <ref> Craul, P.J. 1999. Urban Soils: Applications and Practices. John Wiley & Sons, New York.</ref>. More acidic soils inhibit the solubility of potassium, sulfur, calcium, magnesium and molybdenum, while increasing the solubility of iron, manganese, boron, copper and zinc.The solubility of [[phosphorus]] and [[nitrogen]] are reduced in both acidic and basic soils.
Design specifications for the media component of LID BMPs pertaining to pH are intended to ensure fertility and suitability for healthy vegetation cover. Where pH deviates from design specification, vegetation cover may be spotty or uneven, growth may be stunted, or in extreme cases, plantings may not survive and vegetation cover becomes dominated by weeds. To ensure the media will support the growth of plantings, which contributes to the drainage and water treatment performance of the BMP and adds aesthetic value, testing of pH should be done as part of construction, assumption and verification [[inspections]].
Design specifications for the media component of LID BMPs pertaining to pH are intended to ensure fertility and suitability for healthy vegetation cover. Where pH deviates from design specification, vegetation cover may be spotty or uneven, growth may be stunted, or in extreme cases, plantings may not survive and vegetation cover becomes dominated by weeds. To ensure the media will support the growth of plantings, which contributes to the drainage and water treatment performance of the BMP and adds aesthetic value, testing of pH should be done as part of construction, assumption and verification [[inspections]].