What does pH measure in relation to soil?

pH is a critical factor in soil chemistry that measures the acidity or basicity of a substance, which in this case refers to the soil. It is expressed on a scale typically ranging from 0 to 14, with values below 7 indicating acidity, values of 7 indicating neutrality, and values above 7 indicating alkalinity. Understanding the pH of soil is essential because it influences the availability of nutrients to plants and can affect microbial activity within the soil.

For instance, most plants thrive in slightly acidic to neutral pH levels (around 6 to 7). When the pH deviates from this range, nutrient availability can be affected; certain nutrients become less available to plants, while others may become overly soluble and potentially toxic. This correlation between pH and nutrient availability makes pH a crucial aspect of soil health and fertility.

Other options do not relate directly to the measurement that pH represents. The moisture content of the soil, the ability of soil to hold nutrients, and the temperature are all important soil properties, but they are measured through different means and are not encompassed by the concept of pH.