CWC Video 2 Script

Before planting, a farmer usually tests their soil to ensure the wheat will have all the nutrients to grow. The farmer usually tests four things: the pH level, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. Let’s discover why these four things are important to soil health!

pH

Soil pH is a measure of acidity or alkalinity. A pH of 7 is neutral, above 7 is alkaline and below 7 is acid. It is important to measure the pH of your soil to determine if it is acidic or alkaline because the soil pH affects the soil's chemical, physical, and biological properties and processes. In most crops, nutrition, growth, and yields decrease where pH is low and increase as pH rises to an optimum level.

Many crops, including wheat, grow best if pH is close to neutral (pH 6 to 7.5) but there are a few crops that prefer acidic or alkaline soils. 

If the soil becomes too acidic it can lead to a decreased availability of essential nutrients and decreased plant production and water use. A highly acidic soil can also increase the impact of toxic elements and make soil more vulnerable to soil structure decline and erosion.

Acidity is also monitored to ensure there is a favorable environment for bacteria, earthworms and other soil organisms.

Nitrogen

Plants absorb nitrogen more than any other element-- it’s considered to be the most important nutrient. This element helps the plant stay healthy during growth and helps the plant be nutritious for us once the plant is harvested. That’s because nitrogen is important in protein formation, which helps us keep our tissues healthy!

Phosphorus

Phosphorus helps the plant use and store energy and plays an important part in the process of photosynthesis. It also helps plants grow and develop normally because it is a major component in plant DNA and RNA. Phosphorus is also essential for root development, seed production, and crop maturity.

Potassium

Potassium helps the plants resist disease and is essential in increasing crop yields and overall quality. Potassium also helps protect the plant when the weather is cold or dry through strengthening the plant’s root system and preventing wilt. 

Additionally, it helps the plant withstand extreme hot temperatures and drought by increasing water use efficiency.

Now that you have some background knowledge on pH, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium, let's test your garden soil and see if it's healthy for the wheat garden!