Table of Contents
Table of Contents
- Effect of pH on Plants and Soil
- Effect of pH on Animals and Humans
- Summary
- What’s Next?
In the previous segment of the chapter ‘Acids, Bases and Salts’, we studied how to measure the pH of substances in real life. In this segment, let us learn the importance of pH in everyday life.
What are the effects of pH on plants and soil?
- Plants require a specific pH of the soil for healthy growth. They cannot grow if the soil is too alkaline or too acidic.
- If the soil is too acidic, its pH can be raised by adding lime, or slaked lime. It neutralizes excess acid in the soil.
- If the soil is too alkaline, its pH can be lowered by adding gypsum. It neutralizes excess alkali present in the soil.
- In nature, there are leaves which have stinging hair. They inject acid when someone touches them. A base at the site of infection can be used to get relief from the pain.
What are the effects of pH on animals and humans?
- When acid rain of pH 5.6 to 6.0 flows into rivers, the overall pH of the water reduces.
Living organisms cannot survive if this change is too much and their survival becomes difficult.
- When a honey bee stings, the acute pain is caused by the acid in that sting. A mild base like baking soda can be used around the stung area to get some relief.
- Our stomach produces hydrochloric acid which helps digestion. If too much acid is produced, it causes pain and irritation or ulcers.
To treat this hyperacidity, a patient is advised to take antacid tablets or antacid suspensions which neutralize the excess acid.
Magnesium hydroxide (Milk of magnesia), a mild base, is often used for this purpose. The acid is neutralized to get salt and water. The reaction is
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