Growing Plants in Alkaline Soils

Soils containing a high percentage of lime or calcium carbonate are considered alkaline. Often these soils are found in dry climates. The main issue associated with high alkalinity is that some essential nutrients for plant growth become unavailable to plants in these conditions.

Mildly alkaline soils are blessed to nonetheless have a wide variety of plants that will grow just fine.

The pH scale is used to determine the acidity or alkalinity of a soil. A pH of 7 is considered neutral and is often recommended as the base level for garden soils. A figure higher than seven indicates alkaline soil.

It is best therefore to undertake a soil test in In mild soil conditions with alkalinity below a pH score of 8, gardeners can often combat the situation by adding well-rotted compost and other organic materials on a regular basis to the soil. For soils with a pH of 8 or higher, however, it may become important to consider using a sulfur amendment. A complete soil test from your local Extension Service can help provide guidance on the amount of amendment to use.

If a soil pH test results in an 8.5 or higher seek the advice of a soil expert in leeching the soil of salts and in applying amendments to the soil to bring oxygen back into the soil. At the level of 8.5 a soil is inhospitable to plant life.

Growing plants in alkaline-rich soils is not impossible and with care even a novice gardener can overcome the difficulties with alkaline soils. The primary point of concern for those dealing with high alkaline soils is reducing the salinity of the soil. Deep occasional watering and well-rotted compost combined will help most gardeners in the fight against alkaline soil.