Soil pH is important because it influences several soil factors affecting plant growth, such as (1) soil bacteria, (2) nutrient leaching, (3) nutrient availability, (4) toxic elements, and (5) soil structure.
A pH determination (soil test) will tell whether your soil will produce good plant growth or whether it will need to be treated to adjust the pH level. The pH value states the form of nutrient available, therefore a change in the pH can change the form and thereafter reduce or increase the nutrient availability.
For most plants, growing hydroponics solution the optimum pH ranges from 5.5 to 6.4 and the soil based requires 6.5 to 7.0. Some plants grow in more acid soil or may require a more alkaline level. The pH is not an indication of fertility, but is definitely an affecting factor of fertilizer nutrients availability.
A soil may contain adequate nutrients yet growth may be limited by a very unfavorable pH. Likewise, builder’s sand, which is virtually devoid of nutrients, may have an optimum pH for plant growth. Regard a pH testing kit or pen for regular pH check to help maintain healthy plant growth.