Unravelling of Soil pH Dynamics under Flooded Environment: A Review

Abstract— Global climate change has increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather conditions including heavy rainfall followed by subsequent flooding. Soil pH is one of the most influential chemical parameters that have an impact on directly affecting the nutrient availability status, microbial activity and overall plant health. During the flooding period of paddy crop the soil pH for initially < 6.5 it was increased to approximately 7.0. Rice cultivated under continuous flooded conditions when soil pH became varied from 6.1 to 6.5 throughout the crop growth period. Agricultural crops such as rice benefit from mild increases of soil pH in submerged conditions to enabling improved nutrient solubility and reduced aluminum toxicity. In this contrast, crops like maize, wheat and legumes are inhibited the growth and nutrient uptake under flooded soil due to shifting of soil pH environments. Future research and development must focus on deeper understanding and management of these soil chemical shifts to ensure resilient cropping systems.