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Competency Area 1: Crop Adaptation

PO 2. Know the recommended soil pH ranges for major Northeast crops.

Ranges and recommended soil pH for optimal growth of various field crops in New York

Crop Species

Normal growth pH range

Recommended pH range

Alfalfa

6.5 to 7.5

6.6 to 7.0

Barley

6.3 to 7.0

6.3 to 6.5

Birdsfoot trefoil

6.0 to 7.0

6.3 to 6.5

Clovers

5.8 to 7.0

5.8 to 6.2

Corn

5.8 to 7.0

5.8 to 6.2

Grasses

5.8 to 7.0

5.8 to 6.2

Oats

5.8 to 7.0

5.8 to 6.2

Soybeans

6.5 to 7.5

6.6 to 7.0

Wheat

6.3 to 7.0

6.3 to 6.5