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NW MN | Both have their drawbacks. As Joelt already mentioned, pH affects the availability of many nutrients. High pH soils like we have around here tend to tie up Zinc, Iron, Phosphorus, Manganese and others. Correcting high pH soils is pretty much unrealistic and cost prohibitive. Low pH on the other hand is correctable with the use of various forms of lime. Although its not a quick fix, numerous applications over time will increase the pH in such a soil (I don't know much about liming). Low pH soils can cause problems with "increased" availability of some nutrients. IIRC, aluminum can cause a toxicity problem if the pH is low enough. The uptake of Calcium, Potasium and Magnesium are also a bit lower on extremely soils with low pH. The biggest difference is that low pH can be corrected. | |
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