What is the scale used to measure acidity or basicity of soil?

The scale used to measure the acidity or basicity of soil is pH. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, where values below 7 indicate acidic conditions, values at 7 are neutral, and values above 7 indicate alkaline or basic conditions. Understanding the pH of soil is crucial for agriculture and horticulture because it affects nutrient availability, microbial activity, and overall plant health. Different plants thrive at different pH levels, so knowing the soil's pH helps in selecting appropriate crops and managing soil amendments to optimize growth.

Moisture Content refers to the amount of water contained in the soil, which is important for plant growth but does not measure acidity or basicity. Electrical Conductivity measures the soil's ability to conduct an electric current, often used as an indicator of salinity rather than pH levels. Soil Texture describes the size distribution of soil particles (sand, silt, and clay) and has a significant impact on water retention and nutrient availability but does not directly indicate the acidity or basicity of the soil. Therefore, pH is the most relevant measure when assessing soil acidity and basicity.