What is the best pH of the soil for cultivation of plants : -
A
3.4 – 5.4
B
6.5 – 7.5
C
4.5 – 8.5
D
5.5 – 6.5
The answer is D.
Solution
Most crop plants grow best in soil that is nearly neutral, with pH 6.5 to 7.5. In this range most mineral nutrients are readily available, and useful soil microbes (e.g. nitrifying bacteria) are most active. In strongly acidic soils, Al and Mn become toxic and P, Ca and Mg are less available; in strongly alkaline soils, Fe, Mn, Zn and P become unavailable. So the best pH of the soil for cultivation is 6.5 – 7.5.
ConceptNeutral soil best for crops
Mineral Nutrition in past papers
63 questions from this chapter have appeared across 23 exam years.
