Alkaline solutions have a pH greater than 7.
Alkaline, or basic, soils have a pH greater than 7. Different plants have different tolerance ranges for pH; some plants don't mind a higher pH, while others will have problems. Above pH 8, however, alkalinity can hinder plant growth.
Effects
Excessively high soil pH can interfere with plant nutrient uptake. Common symptoms include stunted growth, yellow stripes on leaves and unusual, dark-green or purple coloration on lower leaves. Some plants like corn and wheat are more sensitive to high pH than others.
Identification
If you suspect your plants are suffering from high soil pH, test the soil pH. Test kits are available from most garden-supply stores; alternatively, some commercial labs offer mail-in soil testing services. Try contacting your local garden store to see what they suggest. If the soil pH is between 7 and 8, it's unlikely to be a serious problem; a soil pH greater than 8, however, will require corrective action.
Prevention/Solution
Always proceed carefully when trying to lower the pH of your soil. If you lower it too far, your soil may become acidic, and many plants find acidity just as intolerable as excess alkalinity. Adding acidifying fertilizers like ammonium nitrate can bring down the soil pH over time. Elemental sulfur is available from many garden-supply stores and will also reduce soil pH. Organic matter like peat moss can reduce soil pH and also help provide your plant with nutrients that it needs.
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