What is the typical target soil pH range for many rangeland species?

• A. Below 5.0.
• B. Above 8.5.
• C. Exactly 7.5.
• D. Approximately 6.0 to 7.0.

Answer: (D)

Soils at this pH range strike a balance in nutrient availability and soil biology that many rangeland plants rely on. When the pH is around 6.0 to 7.0, essential nutrients are generally more soluble and accessible to plant roots, and soil microbes that drive nutrient cycling work efficiently. This supports better root growth, nutrient uptake, and overall forage production.

If the soil becomes too acidic, with much lower pH, toxic metals like aluminum and manganese can rise and hinder root development, and some nutrients become less available. If the soil becomes too alkaline, with pH well above 7.5, several micronutrients (like iron, manganese, zinc, and copper) become less available, limiting growth. A single exact value isn’t realistic for diverse rangeland systems, so the typical target is a range around 6.0 to 7.0 to accommodate variation among species and soils.