A plant biologist records that a certain plant species grows best in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. If the regions soil pH has decreased by 0.8 units from its ideal average of 6.8, what is the new pH, and is it within the ideal range?

Thu, 07 May 2026 22:55:51 +0000

**Why Understanding Soil pH Matters for Plant Life – and What’s Happening in the US** In a time when sustainable gardening and climate resilience are top of users’ minds, a key insight from plant biologists reveals that many native and cultivated species rely heavily on a narrow soil pH range—between 6.0 and 7.5—for optimal growth. Recent data shows that parts of the United States are experiencing measurable shifts in soil chemistry, with pH levels dropping due to environmental and human factors. This raises a vital question: how does a 0.8-unit drop from an ideal 6.8 affect long-term plant health, and what does it mean for gardeners, farmers, and ecosystems? --- ### Why A Plant Biologist Records Ideal pH Ranges—And What pH 6.0–7.5 Means for Growth