What does pH measure in soil?

pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of soil and is a crucial factor in understanding soil chemistry and its effects on plant growth. The scale ranges from 0 to 14, with lower values indicating acidic conditions, a value of 7 being neutral, and higher values indicating alkalinity. Soil pH influences the availability of nutrients and the microbial activity within the soil, affecting how well plants can access essential elements for their growth. Maintaining an optimal pH is essential for promoting healthy plant development and ensuring effective soil management practices.