What is the effect of soil pH on nutrient availability?

Soil pH plays a critical role in nutrient availability because it influences the solubility of various nutrients in the soil and their subsequent uptake by plants. When soil pH is within an optimal range, essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are more soluble, making them accessible to plants. In contrast, if the soil pH is too low (acidic) or too high (alkaline), certain nutrients may become less available. For example, at low pH, elements like aluminum can become toxic, while at high pH, nutrients like iron and manganese may precipitate out of solution, becoming unavailable to plants. Thus, managing soil pH is crucial for maintaining soil fertility and ensuring that plants can effectively uptake necessary nutrients for growth and development.