soil and light blog5

Understanding Soil pH: Why It Matters and How to Adjust It

Soil pH measures how acidic or alkaline your soil is — and it directly impacts how well your plants can absorb nutrients. In Saudi Arabia, where soil can range from salty and alkaline to sandy and acidic, pH awareness is essential for healthy gardening.

Testing soil pH with Botanvia

What Is Soil pH?

The pH scale runs from 1.0 to 14.0:

  • pH 7.0 = Neutral
  • pH below 7.0 = Acidic
  • pH above 7.0 = Alkaline

Most garden plants prefer soil between 6.0 and 7.0. Outside of this range, key nutrients become either unavailable or too abundant — leading to poor growth, yellowing leaves, and weak harvests.

How to Test Your Soil pH

Testing is easy — and worth it. You can use:

  • Digital pH meters (reusable, instant readings)
  • pH strips or color kits (affordable and effective)

 

Take samples from multiple garden spots — pH can vary even within small areas. Mix the samples, moisten with distilled water, and follow the test instructions. Repeat yearly, especially before planting seasons.

Garden soil pH test Botanvia

What If My Soil Is Too Acidic?

pH below 6.0? You’ll need to raise it by adding lime. Garden lime (calcium carbonate) is widely available in Saudi garden centers.

  • Use 5–10 lbs (2–4 kg) per 100 square feet to raise pH by 1 full point
  • Spread it evenly and work it into the top 5–10 cm of soil
  • Apply 2–3 months before planting for best results

What If My Soil Is Too Alkaline?

pH above 7.0? Add acidifying materials like:

  • Elemental sulfur (slow-release)
  • Iron sulfate or aluminum sulfate (faster-acting)
  • Composted pine needles or peat moss (natural options)

Always follow package directions — too much can harm plants.

Adding lime or sulfur to soil Botanvia

Saudi Soil Tip 🌿

In regions with salty irrigation water or limestone-heavy ground (common in Riyadh and central areas), soil tends to be naturally alkaline. In these cases:

  • Grow crops that tolerate pH 7+ (e.g., rosemary, kale, peppers)
  • Use raised beds with imported soil and compost for sensitive crops

 

Keep Your pH in Check

Recheck your pH each year — especially after applying fertilizers or compost. Adjust slowly and naturally, and always give the soil a few weeks to settle before planting.

Balanced soil pH = better roots, better nutrient absorption, better harvests.

Green Starts Here.™