Do Plants Like High pH Water?

Water is essential for the life of plants. It is not just the quantity of water that matters, but also its quality. The pH level of water plays a crucial role in providing plants with essential nutrients, and keeping them healthy. In general, plants prefer a slightly acidic pH level between 6.0 to 6.8. However, the preference for pH level can vary depending on the type of plant species and growing conditions.

What is pH?

The pH scale measures acidity or alkalinity on a range of 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is considered to be neutral, while anything below 7 is acidic, and anything above 7 is alkaline (basic). The pH level of water can affect the ability of plants to uptake nutrients. If the pH is too high or too low, it can cause nutrient deficiencies or toxicity in plants.

How Does pH Level Affect Plant Growth?

Water with a high pH level (above 7.5) is considered alkaline, and it can affect the soil. Alkaline water can increase the pH level of the soil, which can make it difficult for plants to absorb essential nutrients such as iron, manganese, and zinc. When the pH level is too high, the leaves of plants may turn yellow, stunted growth, and eventually die. Therefore, plants do not like high pH water and soil.

On the other hand, water with a low pH level (below 6.0) is acidic and can make the soil too acidic. Plants can also experience nutrient deficiencies under acidic conditions. Generally, acidic soils have lower levels of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are important minerals that plants need to grow. While some plants, like azaleas, rhododendrons, and blueberries, can tolerate acidity, most plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of around 6.5 to 7.0.

How to Test pH Level of Water?

Testing the pH level of water is easy using a pH testing kit. These kits can be purchased at most gardening stores. Testing water pH is essential, especially for those who use tap water to irrigate plants. Municipal water sources may have a pH level that can vary from day-to-day or seasonally. A simple pH test can help identify the pH level of water and adjust it as needed. Adding organic matter such as compost, peat moss, or sphagnum moss can help lower the pH level of alkaline soil.

Conclusion

In summary, plants do not like high pH water as it can make the soil too alkaline and cause nutrient deficiencies. Most plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH level between 6.0 to 7.0. Testing the pH level of water is essential, especially for those who use tap water to irrigate plants, and adjusting it as needed can help ensure healthy plant growth.