Emäskasvuille

Emäskasvuille is a Finnish term that translates to "alkaline soils" or "alkaline substrates" in English. It refers to soils or growing media that have a pH level above 7.0, indicating a higher concentration of hydroxide ions than hydrogen ions. This alkalinity can be naturally occurring due to the parent rock material, such as limestone or dolomite, or it can be the result of human activities like the addition of lime to acidic soils.

The chemical composition of alkaline soils often includes a high concentration of calcium carbonate. This can affect nutrient availability for plants. While some nutrients like molybdenum and tungsten are more available in alkaline conditions, others like iron, manganese, zinc, and copper become less soluble and therefore less accessible to plant roots. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies, even if the nutrients are present in the soil.

Certain plant species, known as calciphiles or basiphiles, are adapted to thrive in alkaline soils and may even require them for optimal growth. These plants often have specialized mechanisms to cope with potential nutrient imbalances or to absorb specific nutrients more efficiently. Conversely, many plants, particularly those from acidic or neutral environments, will struggle to grow in emäskasvuille due to nutrient deficiencies or toxicity from elements like boron, which can be more soluble at higher pH levels.

Understanding the characteristics of emäskasvuille is crucial for agriculture and horticulture, as it dictates the suitability of certain crops and the need for soil amendments or specific plant choices. Soil testing is often recommended to determine the pH and nutrient levels of such soils to manage them effectively.