Linda
New Member
Posts from all over the world are showing the decline of trees. Even after the wettest year on record, trees in Oregon are drought stressed. There is the possibility that aluminum toxicity could be the problem. Aluminum prevents the uptake of water and disrupts other nutrient absorption. If this is true, how might homeowners (or even those near natural forests) address this issue? I understand that measuring for aluminum in the soil is very difficult, but meaning the pH is an indirect method. If the pH is below 5.5 most plants have difficulty with normal growth, and aluminum toxicity may be the issue (aluminum lowers pH). It is complicated in the Pacific Northwest because soils are naturally more acidic already. Is pH the only test we can use? What is the best way to counteract the toxicity of the aluminum? I have read that lime raises the pH and might solve the problem. I appreciate your help.