How soil fundamentals support healthy plant growth
Successful growth in soil relies on growers taking good care of the soil and the organisms within it.
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Successful growth in soil relies on growers taking good care of the soil and the organisms within it.
Shop Soil ToolsFor millennia, soil has been the conventional growth medium for crops, with its composition fostering a diverse microbial community.
Soil has a natural ability to buffer shifts in pH, thereby stabilising the solubility of nutrient ions. Different soils have varying pH values due to their composition, which affects the solubility of certain nutrient ions. It is essential to know that each crop has a different preferred pH range; therefore, measuring the pH of your soil before planting is crucial.
Take good care of your soil and the organisms within it, and you will create an ecosystem that can be relatively self-sufficient.
The composition of soil can vary, but the basic components are air, minerals, water, and a small amount of organic matter, all of which foster a diverse community of microorganisms. The mineral components of soil are the sand, clay, and silt particles within it.
The different chemical compositions of these components can impact the retention of nutrients in the soil and their availability to the plant. This is known as the Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) of the soil and is a method for quantifying soil fertility.
Clay and organic matter (hummus) are two common components that have a net negative charge and can attract and hold positively charged ions, which include most nutrient ions. Therefore, increasing their availability to the plant within the soil, so they won't be leached out, and assist the soil's natural pH buffering.
Build a stronger foundation with our grower’s guide to soil.
Don't measure soil pH at the surface of the soil, or away from the root zone. The pH at the soil surface may be affected by accumulated salts, which can impact measurement accuracy. Measure close to the root zone and at the same depth to gain the most accurate picture of the growing environment.
Yes, to have precise control over your growing environment. Different growing mediums have varying moisture retention characteristics. This is why calibrating your Pulse Meter to your specific growing medium is crucial for obtaining accurate readings and maintaining healthy plants.
Bluelab offers a range of pH soil testers tailored to your needs, whether you are a hobbyist or commercial grower.
| Crop | Optimal soil pH range | Recommended soil EC (mS/cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Arugula | 6.0 – 7.0 | 1.0 – 2.5 |
| Asparagus | 6.0 – 7.5 | 1.0 – 2.5 |
| Basil | 5.5 – 6.5 | 1.0 – 2.0 |
| Beetroot | 6.0 – 7.5 | 1.0 – 2.5 |
| Bok choy | 6.0 – 7.0 | 1.0 – 2.5 |
| Broccoli | 6.0 – 7.0 | 1.0 – 2.5 |
| Brussels sprouts | 6.0 – 7.5 | 1.0 – 2.5 |
| Cabbage | 6.0 – 7.5 | 1.0 – 2.5 |
| Carrot | 5.5 – 7.0 | 1.0 – 2.5 |
| Cauliflower | 6.0 – 7.0 | 1.0 – 2.5 |
| Celery | 6.0 – 7.0 | 1.2 – 2.5 |
| Chilies | 6.0 – 7.0 | 1.0 – 2.0 |
| Corn | 5.5 – 7.0 | 1.2 – 2.5 |
| Cucumber | 5.5 – 7.0 | 1.2 – 2.5 |
| Eggplant | 5.5 – 7.0 | 1.2 – 2.5 |
| Garlic | 5.5 – 7.5 | 1.0 – 2.5 |
| Green beans | 6.0 – 7.5 | 1.0 – 2.5 |
| Kale | 6.0 – 7.5 | 1.0 – 2.5 |
| Leafy greens | 6.0 – 7.0 | 1.0 – 2.5 |
| Leek | 6.0 – 7.0 | 1.0 – 2.0 |
| Lettuce | 6.0 – 7.0 | 0.8 – 1.8 |
| Onion | 6.0 – 7.0 | 1.0 – 2.5 |
| Parsley | 6.0 – 7.0 | 1.0 – 2.0 |
| Parsnip | 5.5 – 7.5 | 0.8 – 1.8 |
| Pea | 6.0 – 7.5 | 1.0 – 2.5 |
| Pepper | 5.5 – 7.0 | 1.0 – 2.5 |
| Potato | 4.8 – 6.5 | 1.0 – 2.5 |
| Pumpkin | 5.5 – 7.5 | 1.2 – 2.5 |
| Radish | 5.5 – 7.0 | 1.0 – 2.5 |
| Rhubarb | 5.5 – 7.0 | 1.0 – 2.5 |
| Roses | 5.5 – 6.5 | 1.0 – 2.0 |
| Spinach | 6.0 – 7.5 | 1.0 – 2.5 |
| Squash | 5.8 – 7.0 | 1.2 – 2.5 |
| Strawberry | 5.0 – 6.5 | 1.0 – 2.5 |
| Sweet potato | 5.5 – 6.5 | 1.2 – 2.5 |
| Tomato | 5.5 – 7.5 | 1.5 – 2.5 |
| Watermelon | 5.5 – 6.5 | 1.0 – 2.5 |
| Yam | 5.5 – 6.5 | 1.0 – 2.5 |
| Zucchini | 5.5 – 7.5 | 1.2 – 2.5 |
*Soil EC values are general guidelines and will vary with soil type, moisture, organic matter, and management. EC helps indicate nutrient availability and salinity balance, supporting healthy root development.
Learn how to accurately measure soil pH to support nutrient uptake and healthy plant growth.
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