pH, or power of Hydrogen, is a number which represents the logarithmic value of either the acidity or alkalinity of a test. The numbers range from 0–14 with 0 being the most acidic and 14 the most alkaline. The difference between any two whole numbers is a multiple of 10. Most plants develop well in soils that are slightly acid to neutral (6.7 to 6.8), provided there is proper mineralization of the soil and soil organic matter. A soil with a pH lower than 7.0 is classified as acid and one with a pH higher than 7.0 is alkaline. Generally, soils in moist climates are acidic and those in dry climates are alkaline. However, a standard soil analysis will reveal the pH so that a decision can be made on whether or not to alter the pH. INSTAGrowth M additions yearly work to balance pH.

Soil minerals are the most available in the 6.7–6.8 pH range and thus most garden plants and turf prefer this range. Lilacs and clematis thrive in these soils. Rhododendrons and blueberries like a lower pH. Coniferous or softwood trees prefer a much lower pH of around 4. Plants naturally adjust the pH with the organic matter they deposit on the landscape.

Lime or ash additions to acid soils help bring the pH up to the favorable range. The high calcium hydroxide levels in lime, ash, ground limestone, marl, or ground oyster-shells on garden soils serves a fourfold purpose: (1) To supply calcium and other plant nutrients; (2) To reduce soil acidity; (3) To improve the physical character of certain heavy soils; (4) To rebalance the micro and macro organisms.

As a rule, asparagus, celery, beets, spinach, potatoes, carrots and turf are benefitted by moderate applications of lime, especially on soils that are naturally low in calcium. However, this is an indication that the soil fertility needs adjusting as high earthworm populations balance calcium and magnesium. Dolomitic limestone can be used on soils low in magnesium.

It is suggested that INSTAGrowth Granular, INSTAGrowth Plant & Tree Food and INSTAGrowth M be used to rebalance and maintain a vibrant Eco-system. Most garden vegetables do best on soils that are slightly acidic and may be injured by the application of lime in excess of their requirements.

Understanding the crop rotation aspects of an Eco-system and how vegetation follows its own rotations helps the Beyond-Organic grower realize the importance of ecosystem mechanics to maximize plant yields with minimum inputs. For this reason, additions should only be applied at low rates when the Eco-system is not fully understood. To simplify things we have endeavored to provide an easy solution to the Eco-system with the organic INSTAGrowth Plant and Tree Food, INSTAGrowth Granular and INSTAGrowth M products.

Most garden centers do carry inexpensive soil testing kits which include a test for pH, and it is necessary sometimes to remediate things more quickly or just determine how well you are actually doing. The test is easy to perform, and you should also test for essential nutrients as well. In no case should the material be applied in larger quantities than the test indicates.