Can pH Level Affect Potash Levels in Soil?

Understanding pH

• Soil pH measures the acidity and alkalinity of the soil through the reaction of hydrogen. When there are more hydrogen ions in the soil, its pH decreases, and the soil becomes acidic. Conversely, when the amount of hydrogen in the soil decreases, the pH increases, and the soil becomes alkaline. The scale measures the pH level on a numerical scale from zero to 14, with 7.0 the median or neutral level. When the pH level is above or below 7.0, the primary nutrients in the soil change.

Potash Information

• Potash is a potassium compound and primary nutrient in plant soil and fertilizers. Potassium plays an important role in the plant’s photosynthesis process by helping to metabolize the light and oxygen into energy. Additionally, potash controls the water function and absorption in the plants.

How Plants Use Nutrients

• Plants need a host of nutrients to thrive -- primary nutrients, micronutrients and macronutrients. The primary nutrients include nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Different plants require different amounts of these nutrients to grow. Some plants, such as grapes, require a high level of potassium in the soil. Soils with a low pH level tend to be low in potassium. In these cases, adding a potash-rich fertilizer can help balance the soil.

Amending Soil pH

• Amend the soil by adding lime or organic compounds that increase the primary nutrients. Acidic soils need additional lime to raise the pH levels. Adding lime to the soil increases the potassium content by working with the existing calcium content in the soil.