Texas FFA Nursery Landscape Practice Exam

The soil pH level primarily controls:

1. Activity of soil-borne diseases

2. Moisture absorption by roots

3. Soil temperature

4. Availability of essential plant nutrients

The correct answer is: Availability of essential plant nutrients

The soil pH level primarily affects the availability of essential plant nutrients. In soils with a pH that is too high or too low, certain nutrients can become unavailable to plants, leading to nutrient deficiencies and impacting plant health and growth. For example, in overly acidic soils (low pH), nutrients like phosphorus may become less available, while in alkaline soils (high pH), iron may become deficient. Understanding the importance of soil pH is crucial for effective gardening and agriculture. Adjusting pH through amendments can enhance nutrient availability, thereby directly influencing plant growth and productivity. This relationship underscores the significance of regularly testing soil pH as part of effective soil management practices to ensure optimal nutrient availability for plants.