Soil pH & Adjustment Calculator
Enter your current soil pH value.
Result: Highly Acidic, Slightly Acidic, Neutral, or Alkaline.
Optimal pH for selected crop: N/A
Soil type affects pH buffering capacity.
Enter the pH of your irrigation water.
| Nutrient | Acidic Soil | Alkaline Soil |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen (N) | Medium | Low |
| Phosphorus (P) | Low | High |
| Iron (Fe) | High | Low |
Enter the target soil pH for your crops.
Calculated as (Desired pH - Current pH).
Based on pH change: Lime or Wood Ash to raise; Sulfur or Peat Moss to lower.
Enter the area size for pH adjustment calculation.
Enter the cost per pound of the chosen amendment.
Calculated based on area and amendment rate.
Estimated total cost for the amendment.
Used for bulk vs. bagged material comparison.
Calculated based on amendment required and bag capacity.
Created by James S. Lockwood
With a background in botany and ecological sciences, James specializes in creating practical tools and resources to help gardeners, farmers, and plant enthusiasts optimize their green spaces.
Maintaining the right soil pH is essential for plant growth, as it affects nutrient availability and overall soil health. Use our Soil pH Calculator to determine whether your soil is acidic, neutral, or alkaline, and adjust it with the Soil pH Adjustment Calculator to achieve the best conditions for your plants.
Table of Contents
How to Calculate Soil pH (Step-by-Step Guide)
1. What is Soil pH?
Soil pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of soil on a scale from 1 to 14:
- pH 1 – 5.5: Acidic soil (low pH)
- pH 6 – 7.5: Neutral soil (ideal for most plants)
- pH 7.5 – 14: Alkaline soil (high pH)
2. How to Measure Soil pH at Home
You can measure soil pH using: ✅ pH Testing Kits – Simple, affordable strips that change color based on pH.
✅ Digital pH Meters – Provide precise soil pH readings.
✅ Lab Soil Tests – Offer a detailed soil pH and nutrient analysis.
Quick DIY Soil pH Test (Baking Soda & Vinegar)
- For Acidic Soil: Add baking soda to soil + water. If it bubbles, your soil is acidic.
- For Alkaline Soil: Add vinegar to soil + water. If it fizzes, your soil is alkaline.
👉 Use our Soil pH Calculator to analyze and adjust soil pH levels for healthier plant growth.
Best pH for Garden Soil – Ideal pH for Different Plants
Not all plants require the same pH! Here’s the optimal soil pH range for common crops:
Blueberries
4.5 – 5.5
Tomatoes
6.0 – 6.8
Carrots
6.0 – 6.8
Lawn Grass
6.0 – 7.0
Potatoes
5.0 – 6.0
Cabbage
6.5 – 7.5
Grapes
5.5 – 6.5
🌿 Most vegetables thrive in neutral soil (pH 6.0 – 7.5).
🌻 Acid-loving plants (like blueberries) require lower pH (5.0 or below).
Soil pH Adjustment Calculator – Balance Your Soil
How to Use the Vegetable Seed Calculator?
If your soil pH is too high (alkaline) or too low (acidic), our Soil pH Adjustment Calculator helps you: ✅ Calculate the amount of soil amendments needed
✅ Adjust pH levels using natural or synthetic materials
✅ Estimate total cost of pH correction
How It Works:
Enter your current soil pH.
Select your desired soil pH based on the plants you’re growing.
Choose your soil type (sandy, loamy, or clay).
Get recommendations on how to raise or lower pH levels.
Organic pH Balance for Soil – Natural Ways to Adjust Soil pH
Many gardeners prefer organic methods to balance soil pH. Here’s how to do it naturally:
How to Raise pH in Soil (Make Soil Less Acidic)
If your soil is too acidic (low pH), you need to increase it.
✅ Lime (Calcium Carbonate) – The best way to raise pH.
✅ Wood Ash – Provides potassium & raises soil pH.
✅ Crushed Eggshells – Slow-release calcium for pH balance.
How to Lower pH in Soil Naturally?
If your soil is too alkaline (high pH), you need to lower it.
✅ Sulfur – The fastest way to lower pH.
✅ Peat Moss – Organically lowers pH over time.
✅ Compost & Organic Matter – Maintains a balanced pH naturally.
What pH Should Soil Be for Plants?
Most plants grow best in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. However, certain plants prefer acidic or alkaline conditions:
- Acid-Loving Plants (pH < 6.0) → Blueberries, Azaleas, Potatoes, Pine Trees
- Neutral pH Plants (pH 6.0 – 7.5) → Tomatoes, Beans, Carrots, Lettuce, Peppers
- Alkaline-Tolerant Plants (pH > 7.5) → Lavender, Asparagus, Beets, Fescue Grass
Acidic vs. Alkaline Soil Calculator
Wondering if your soil is too acidic or too alkaline? Use our Acidic vs. Alkaline Soil Calculator to:
✅ Identify if your soil is acidic (pH < 6.0) or alkaline (pH > 7.5).
✅ Understand how pH affects nutrient availability.
✅ Get soil amendment recommendations based on your soil’s composition.
Disclaimer for Soil pH & Adjustment Calculator
This Soil pH Calculator provides estimates based on general soil science principles. For precise soil pH readings and amendments, consult a professional soil testing service. We are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from its use.
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