What role does soil pH play in nutrient availability?

Soil pH is a critical factor in determining the availability of nutrients to plants. It influences the chemical forms that nutrients take in the soil, which in turn affects how easily plants can absorb them. For many nutrients, their solubility and the form they take changes with pH levels. For instance, at very low pH (acidic soils), certain nutrients like aluminum can become more available but can also become toxic to plants. Conversely, at very high pH (alkaline soils), nutrients such as iron and manganese may become less available, leading to deficiencies. Therefore, by influencing the chemical forms of nutrients available in the soil, pH plays a vital role in plant health and growth, making it essential for anyone involved in pest control to understand its impact on both soil health and plant nutrition.