What Fruit Plant Tree Needs Low pH Soil?

Blueberries are among the few fruit trees to thrive in acidic soil.

The acidity of soil is referred to as pH, which is an important factor for growers because plants have highly varied pH requirements. Few fruit trees thrive in soil with a very low pH, but there are exceptions.

Fruit Trees

A pH of 6.6 to 7.3 is considered neutral. Anything lower is acidic, while a higher number is alkaline. Most fruit trees require slightly acidic soil, with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. If the soil in your backyard has a lower pH, alternatives are available.

Blueberries

Blueberry trees are one of the few fruit-bearing structures that thrive in strongly acidic soil. The ideal pH for blueberries is between 4.5 and 5.0.

Solutions

If you have acidic soil and would like to grow other fruit trees, employ measures to raise the pH. Adding lime is the most common method. It involves adding ground limestone to the soil. Limestone is highly alkaline and should help raise the pH of your soil.

References

• University of Illinois: What is pH?
• Michigan State University: Hints on Growing Blueberries
• University of Tennessee: Fertilizing and Liming Fruit Trees