The pH of red soil typically ranges from 6.6 to 8.0.
Understanding Red Soil pH
Red soil is characterized by its high iron oxide content, which gives it its distinctive color. It's also known to be porous. The pH level of a soil is a measure of its acidity or alkalinity. A pH of 7 is considered neutral. Values below 7 indicate acidity, while values above 7 indicate alkalinity.
pH Range of Red Soil
As highlighted in the provided information, the specific pH range of red soil is 6.6 to 8.0. This means that red soil can range from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. It is important to note that this is not the only condition of red soil.
Characteristics of Red Soil
Beyond its pH, red soil has several other characteristics:
- High Iron Oxide Content: This contributes to the reddish color.
- Porous Nature: This allows for good drainage but also means it doesn't retain water very well.
- Low Nutrient Levels: Red soil often lacks sufficient nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and organic matter.
- Limited Fertility: It does not respond well to fertilizers, making it less fertile compared to other types of soil.
Major Crops Cultivated in Red Soil
Despite its low fertility, red soil is used for cultivating many crops. While the provided reference did not specify which ones, we can say that these crops tend to be hardy and tolerant of less-than-ideal conditions, given the soil's limitations.
Table of Key Red Soil Properties
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.6 to 8.0 |
| Iron Oxide | High percentage |
| Porosity | High |
| Nutrient Levels | Low (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Organic matter) |
| Fertility | Low |
