Geography studies? the relationship between soil ph and soil acidity?

Question

geography, soil humus, soil ph, sandy soil/coastal ecosystems

I'm doing a school project and need to know the relationship between the ph of soil and humus content in the soil.

Is the soil more acidic or more alkaline if there is more humus?.

Answer 1

Having humus in the soil makes it slightly acidic.  Humus is made up of chemicals called "humic acids".  Being organic acids, they are not strong like hydrochloric or sulfuric, but they will make the pH drop below 7.  Neutral is pH=7.  The lower the pH, the more acidic. Lemon juice is about 3.  Stomach acid is about 2.  If the pH is above 7 the substance is alkaline.  Household ammonia is about 10.