Question: At what soil pH range is phosphorus generally most available for plant uptake?
Options:
Below 6.5 (too acidic)
6.5 to 7.5
7.5 to 8.5 (moderately alkaline)
Above 8.5 (highly alkaline)
✅Explanation:
Phosphorus is generally most available to plants in soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. This slightly acidic to neutral pH range allows phosphorus to remain in soluble forms that plants can easily absorb, such as phosphate ions (H₂PO₄⁻ or HPO₄²⁻). At this pH, the phosphorus is not bound to other soil particles like iron or aluminum (in acidic soils) or calcium (in alkaline soils), making it more readily available for uptake.
Phosphorus is generally most available to plants in soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. This slightly acidic to neutral pH range allows phosphorus to remain in soluble forms that plants can easily absorb, such as phosphate ions (H₂PO₄⁻ or HPO₄²⁻). At this pH, the phosphorus is not bound to other soil particles like iron or aluminum (in acidic soils) or calcium (in alkaline soils), making it more readily available for uptake.