Question

The daffodils grow best in a soil having pH ranging between 6.0 to 6.5.If the garden soil has pH 4.5 which salt needs to be added to the soil to grow daffodils?

• A. Common salt
• B. Lime
• C. Sand
• D. Compost

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Lime

The explanation for the correct option (B):

• When the pH of the soil is near to 7, most plants grow best. Plants cannot grow in soil that is either too acidic or too basic.
• The soil may be naturally acidic or basic. The application of chemical fertilizers in the field has an impact on the pH of the soil.
• To modify the pH of the soil and make it appropriate for growing crops, chemicals can be applied.
• If the soil is excessively acidic and has a low pH, basic chemicals such as Quicklime (CaO) or Slaked lime (Ca(OH)₂) are used to treat it.
• Since the garden soil has a low pH (4.5), it is acidic in nature. Thus, it is treated with Lime which is basic in nature. Lime reacts with excess acid present in the soil and reduces its acidity.

Final Answer: Hence, option (B) is correct. Lime needs to be added to the soil to grow daffodils.