Re: CULT: Gypsum (was Old sawdust)
- Subject: Re: CULT: Gypsum (was Old sawdust)
- From: A* M* R*
- Date: Thu, 5 Nov 1998 16:02:38 -0600 (CST)
From: Amy Moseley Rupp <amy@ece.utexas.edu>
> Ionic charges are not the primary driver of pH. A good example is
> hydrochloric acid. It is a strong acid made up of a single positive and
> a single negative ion. It is still ionized enough to conduct electrical
> current when dissolved in water. pH is more strongly related to
> concentration, equilibrium and relative strength of systems in solution.
> I think the sulfate ion in the gypsum is far more strongly acidic than
> the calcium ion is a basic one, and that is where the acidifying action
> of the gypsum would lie.
Ok, this is my favourite subject.
Our soil is very alkaline. This is largely attributed to relatively
paltry rainfall (30" a year). Now, we *also* have lots of limestone
in the soil, and our tap water is extremely alkaline; it starts at pH 10
and after the purification process emerges at *11* or so (chemical
analysis received from the City).
Now.
If I read the above correctly, *the conduction of electricity* or
conductivity has little effect on pH? Or, another way to look at your
HF example is that whether you have an element that has three positive
ions or one, the pH does not change just because of the charge.
So, WHAT WOULD be the best way to acidify a clay soil impregnated
liberally with chunks of limestone which receives less rainfall than
highly alkaline (due to calcium) irrigation water? Besides pray?
:-)
Amy
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