Issue 28.11
St. George is nestled against the Colorado Plateau on the edge of the Basin and Range. Our location provides us with little rainfall. Thus, we have unique soil. This can create special challenges for our lawns and gardens.
A soil’s pH indicates the soil’s acidity or alkalinity. High pH reflects alkalinity and low pH reflects acidity. Extremes in the solution’s pH make it difficult for plants to use nutrients that are present in the soil. Extremely high or extremely low is bad. The pH is measured by the concentration of hydrogen. High concentration means low pH, low concentration means high pH. Water (H2O) introduces hydrogen to the soil, washes salt away, and sustains plant growth. As native plants would grow, die, and decompose, the soil would become wrought with organic acids. The pH would then become lower. Dixie has basic or alkaline soil. We don’t receive rain to balance our high soil pH and that makes it difficult for plants to use nutrients. What do you do?
Bring the pH down. By doing so, you unlock the nutrients that are already present and give the plant the ability to use any additional fertility that you would like to apply. Ideal soil will have a pH neutral mixture of organic matter for nutrition and water retention and an inert material that will provide aeration and drainage. These are essential and basic aspects of your plants’ health. Every blade of grass, tomato, or vegetable depends on it. As an added benefit, lowering pH makes plants stronger and many weed species are unable to compete with the vitality of healthy plants. Disease is less likely to befall a vigorous plant. You will taste the difference in your garden and see the difference in your yard. If your soil isn’t actively managed for pH then you are missing out on a spectrum of nutrient dense vegetables and vibrant landscapes.
Kyle Wilson is a fourth generation agrarian, former member of the American Agricultural Economics Association, and proprietor of Eden Valley Gardening Co. Please call him about how to make your soil pH balanced at (435) 668-5654 or kylew@infowest.com.