Soil Conditions
|
Soil Conditions
|
|
|
Most of Florida's soils are sand-based with little organic matter and low water and fertilizer holding capacities. The pH condition of soil is one of a number of environmental conditions that affect the quality of plant growth. A near neutral or slightly acid soil is generally considered ideal for most plants. We encourage the use of "organic" mulches in plant or shrub beds. All to often we see the installation of rock, gravel or stone in the beds, which looks great at first, then the weeds come thru which requires expensive labor intensive hand pulling of weeds (weed blocks are really a waste of time if not installed by a professional using top quality and expensive material). In the long run we
tend to see such material raise the PH (sweet) of the soil which is not
healthy for many Florida shrubs we commonly use, so we always
recommend a natural organic mulch, unless in a specifically designated
"high maintenance" area, such as an entrance way or pool
area. "Soil pH is defined as the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration." What? The pH scale goes from 0 to 14 with pH 7 as the neutral point, pH indicates a ratio of acid to base partials in the soil. The lower the number below 7 (neutral), the more acid the soil So from pH 7 to 0 the Soil is Acidic is SOUR and from pH 7 to 14 the Soil is Alkaline is SWEET The pH scale is not linear, but a logarithmic scale. That is, a soil with a pH of 8.5 is 10 times more alkaline than a soil with a pH of 7.5. Some elements influenced by pH are essential nutrients for plants, so soil pH affects plant nutrition. Other elements are toxic when present in excessive amounts, and soil pH helps to determine how much is in solution at any one time. While keeping in mind the importance of soil pH, it should be noted that concern about its impact in typical residential or commercial landscape situations is often exaggerated. The soil pH can influence plant growth by its effect on activity of beneficial microorganisms Bacteria that decompose soil organic matter are hindered in strong acid soils. This prevents organic matter from breaking down, resulting in an accumulation of organic matter and the tie up of nutrients, particularly nitrogen, that are held in the organic matter When it comes to applying lime or sulfur to adjust soil pH. There's probably as much damage done to plants by lime and sulfur applied where they aren't needed as there is damage done by not applying them where they are needed. Many Florida soils already contain excess lime. Such soils will typically have pHs between 7.0 and 8.2. Elemental sulfur added to soil will result in a lower soil pH. Don't add lime or sulfur to your soil until you've had a pH and lime requirement test run by a reliable lab. When soil pH is high (Sweet) because of naturally- occurring lime (like limestone, marl, or sea shells), there is no practical way of permanently lowering the soil pH. There simply is too much lime present to neutralize. It is difficult or impossible to get all the lime out of this soil, and you will have to live with high pH, along with the drainage problems, iron deficiency, and compaction that are often present The same is often true near new masonry buildings where excessive waste concrete and mortar fell on the soil during construction. Under those circumstances, you should select plants which are tolerant of high pH conditions to avoid continuing plant nutritional problems. A desirable pH range for most turf grasses is 5.5 to 7.0. Prefer soil pH below 5.5 ==> Azalea, Ixora Prefer soil pH below 5.5 to 6.5 ==> Hibiscus Tolerant of a wide range of soil pH ==> Palms, Crape Myrtle, Croton, Oleander, Oaks,
Nitrogen (N) is probably the nutrient that most often limits plant growth. The bulk of soil N is found within 2 feet of the surface. Phosphorus (P) is an essential part of the process of photosynthesis. Plants use the energy of sunlight, and P must be present in the active portions of the plant for this energy transfer to be made and for photosynthesis to occur Potassium (K) is absorbed by plants in larger amounts than any other mineral element except N and, in some cases, Ca. Potassium is supplied to plants by soil minerals, organic materials, and inorganic fertilizer. Due to the highly weathered status of Florida soils, their K supplying power is quite low in most cases. Magnesium (Mg) part of the chlorophyll in all green plants and essential for photosynthesis. Iron (Fe) is a constituent of many organic compounds in plants. It is essential for the synthesis of chlorophyll. Iron deficiency is often induced by alkaline soil pH
For
Further Detailed Information Visit the University of Florida Link. Credit is given to the UF/IFAS the BEST Web Site on Florida Landscape Maintenance |
|
Thank You For Giving Us the Opportunity to Serve You! Phone: (321) 454-0906
Fantasy Lawns Inc. SM Merritt Island - Florida - 32954-2250 e-mail: Info@fantasylawns.com Fantasy Lawns Inc. is a Service Mark Registered Name in the State of Florida and may NOT be Copied or Used The information contained in this web site is subject to
change without notice.
|
