Abstract

Soil pH is a fundamental chemical property that significantly influences nutrient availability and plant growth. This comprehensive study examines the relationship between soil pH and nutrient availability across acidic (pH < 6.5) and alkaline (pH > 7.5) soil conditions. Through systematic analysis of soil samples from 150 locations representing diverse agricultural systems, we investigated the bioavailability of essential macro and micronutrients including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu). Results demonstrated that nutrient availability follows distinct patterns across the pH spectrum. In acidic soils, aluminum and manganese toxicity were prevalent, while phosphorus fixation significantly reduced P availability. Alkaline soils showed decreased availability of micronutrients, particularly iron, zinc, and manganese, due to precipitation and formation of insoluble compounds. The optimal pH range for maximum nutrient availability was found to be 6.0-7.0, where most essential nutrients remained in bioavailable forms. This research provides critical insights for developing pH management strategies to optimize nutrient availability and enhance agricultural productivity across diverse soil conditions.