At what soil pH would phosphorus be most available for plant uptake?

Phosphorus availability is closely linked to soil pH levels. Generally, phosphorus is most available to plants in the range of 6.0 to 7.0 pH. At this pH range, phosphorus remains soluble and can be absorbed effectively by plant roots.

When the soil pH is below 6.0, phosphorus can bind with iron and aluminum, making it less available. Conversely, at pH levels above 7.0, phosphorus can bind with calcium, which also reduces its availability to plants. Therefore, a soil pH of 6.8 is optimal for phosphorus uptake, as it ensures that phosphorus remains in a form that plants can readily use while minimizing the risk of it becoming immobilized or bound to soil particles.

Understanding this relationship between pH and nutrient availability is crucial for effective soil management and crop production.