Question

The daffodil plants grow best in a soil having a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. If the soil in a garden has a pH of 4.5, which substance needs to be added to the soil in order to grow daffodils?

Options

• salt

• lime

• sand

• compost

Answer 1

Lime

Explanation:

The current garden soil has a pH of 4.5, making it highly acidic, whereas daffodils grow best in nearly neutral soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. To make the soil suitable, its pH must be raised by reducing the overall acidity. Garden lime (calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide) is a strong base that chemically neutralises excess acidity in the soil, thereby raising the pH into the ideal range.