David Fraser
Senior Member.
And they are still doing it - Clare's latest effort even goes so far as to link to this thread, so she's well aware that the quantities reported are less than the health or guideline limits...and yet she's still happy to put up the full analysis that shows that and pretend it's something untoward.
It is quite frightening how someone can post a test showing completely acceptable levels of natural elements in water, and then right next to the picture showing that claim that it is actually high levels, evidence of a crime, etc!!
Just to further pick up on a point from that post.
The figures quoted are approaching that of neutral pH and that of pure water. But are these levels detrimental to plant health? Soil chemistry is quite complex however many soils have a capacity to buffer against pH changes. While some plants may prefer acidic or alkaline soils a general rule is shown with the following:Master gardener and retired USDA Biologist, Frances Mangels of California has found the that pH of rainwater rises from about 5.5 to about 6.8 in association with a large volume of aerosol geoengineering activity. The pH of rainwater in Whangarei, Northland onFebruary 19th and 20th, 2014, was found to be 6.7-6.8. A pH of 6.2 found in Hamilton is not normal and may have a detrimental effect on plant growth, as Frances Mangels has indicated.
http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/understanding-phMost nutrients that plants need can dissolve easily when the pH of the soil solution ranges from 6.0 to 7.5. Below pH 6.0, some nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, are less available. When pH exceeds 7.5, iron, manganese, and phosphorus are less available.
http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=239
pH 6.1 - 7.0
- Moderately acid soil
- A pH 6.5 is the best general purpose pH for gardens, allowing a wide range of plants to grow, except lime-hating plants
- The availability of major nutrients is at its highest and bacterial and earthworm activity is optimum at this pH
- Action: It is not usually necessary to add anything to improve soil pH at this level
Anecdotal but I have some tomatoes in pots at pH 6.5 which I find suits them really well.