What is a common soil amendment used to increase soil pH?

Study for the Iowa Soil Judging Test. Master soil concepts with interactive questions and detailed explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Lime is commonly used as a soil amendment to increase soil pH because it contains calcium carbonate or calcium hydroxide, which reacts with soil acids to neutralize them. When lime is applied to acidic soils, it raises the pH, making the soil more alkaline. This adjustment is crucial for optimizing nutrient availability to plants, as many essential nutrients become less accessible in overly acidic conditions. The application of lime not only enhances plant growth but also improves soil structure and promotes beneficial microbial activity.

Other options play different roles; for instance, gypsum is primarily used to improve soil structure and drainage but does not significantly alter soil pH. Compost adds organic matter and nutrients to the soil but also does not serve the purpose of raising pH levels. Fertilizers are designed to add nutrients to the soil and can sometimes have a slight effect on pH depending on their composition, but they are not primarily used to increase soil pH.

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