Not only must these nutrients be present in sufficient quantities, they must also be available for uptake by the plant. Nutrient availability is primarily determined by soil texture and pH.

Soil properties like water content, pH, and compaction may exacerbate these problems. ... plants must regulate nutrient uptake and must respond to changes in the soil as well as within the plant.

Tony Vyn, a professor of agronomy, and Ignacio Ciampitti, a postdoctoral research associate, are studying the timing of nutrient uptake in corn and how that process affects yield. They found that ...

When soil pH is too high or too low, plants use nutrients less efficiently. The goal is pH-neutral soil, which is around 7 pH. However, azaleas and some other plants are acid-lovers, Malone said.

Not only must these nutrients be present in sufficient quantities, they must also be available for uptake by the plant. Nutrient availability is primarily determined by soil texture and pH.