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Soils: Organic Matter
Soil pH
Measure of the acidity/alkalinity of a soil, which affects the availability of plant nutrients, activity of microorganisms, and the solubility of soil minerals. Major factors affecting soil pH are temperature and rainfall, which controls the intensity of leaching and soil mineral weathering. pH range is from 0 to 14. 0 being the most acidic and 14 the most basic with a pH of 7 being neutral. For chile, desirable pH range is 6.5 to 8.5.
Electrical Conductivity (EC)
EC of soil-water mixture indicates the amount of salts present in the soil. All soils contain some salts, which are
essential for plant growth. However, excess salts will hinder plant growth by affecting the soil-water balance.
Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR)
A ratio for soil extracts and irrigation waters used to express the relative activity off sodium ions in exchange reactions with soil
SAR Resource: Use Naturally Available Amendments for Sodic Soils - *Available only in print. Click here to order
Last Modified: Apr 11, 2006 at 13:40
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