What is Soil pH & EC, and Why Are They Important?

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Soil pH and Electrical Conductivity (EC) are important indicators of soil health and fertility.

• Soil pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of the soil.
• EC measures the concentration of soluble salts.

These two parameters are interconnected and directly influence nutrient availability and plant growth.

What is Soil pH (Acidity or Alkalinity)?

Soil pH indicates whether your soil is acidic (sour) or alkaline (salty).

• Ideal pH: 6.5 to 7.5 (for most crops)
• Acidic soil (pH < 6.0):
  Deficiency of N, P, K, Ca, Mg.
  🛑 Plant growth slows down.
• Alkaline soil (pH > 8.5):
  Deficiency of iron, zinc, manganese.
  ⚠️ Leaves turn yellow, crop becomes weak.

What is Soil EC (Electrical Conductivity)?

EC shows the amount of salts present in the soil.

• Ideal EC: 0.2 to 0.8 dS/m
• High EC (> 1.5 dS/m):
  ❌ Excess salt in soil
  ❌ Plants can't absorb water properly
  ❌ Roots get damaged

How to Test pH and EC?

Lab Test:

• Collect soil from 15–20 spots in the field
• Mix thoroughly and send to the lab for analysis

Strategies to Improve pH and EC

1. In Standing Crops:

• Acidic soil:
  Use dolomite, lime, or calcium nitrate (5–10 kg/acre)
• Alkaline soil:
  Use gypsum (100–150 kg/acre), or fertilizers based on sulfuric or phosphoric acid
• High EC:
  ✅ Provide ample irrigation
  ✅ Use drip irrigation to leach salts deeper into the soil

2. In Empty Fields:

• Low pH:
  Apply 200–400 kg/acre lime or dolomite (1 month before sowing)
• High pH:
  Apply 200–400 kg/acre gypsum + 20–25 kg/acre sulfur
• High EC:
  • Do deep plowing
  • Improve drainage
  • Add cow dung manure or vermicompost

Importance of Maintaining pH & EC

With correct pH and EC:

✅ Better plant growth

✅ Improved nutrient absorption

✅ Fewer diseases, higher yield