As soil pH decreases, what happens to the concentration of hydrogen ions?

As soil pH decreases, the concentration of hydrogen ions increases. Soil pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the soil, with lower pH values indicating more acidic conditions. In acidic soils, there are more hydrogen ions present, which is what leads to the lower pH readings.

When the pH is low, it suggests that there is a higher concentration of hydrogen ions in the soil solution because pH is defined as the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration. Therefore, a decrease in pH directly correlates with an increase in hydrogen ion concentration, making the relationship clear. This understanding is crucial for managing soil health and fertility, as the availability of nutrients and the activity of soil organisms can be significantly affected by the pH level and corresponding hydrogen ion concentration in the soil.