scienceindicators

Topsoil pH

Measures the acidity or alkalinity of the upper soil layer, a key factor influencing nutrient availability and plant growth.

availability

On Demand
Now

indicator tier

Silver

unit

pH units, range from 3 – 10

spatial resolution

measurement frequency

measurement level

historic data availability

Forescast data availability

applicable crop types

applicable land type

No items found.

compliance frameworks

description

Provides globally consistent estimates of soil pH in the 0–5 cm layer, derived from the SoilGrids 2.0 database. Soil pH is a master variable governing nutrient solubility, microbial activity, and overall soil fertility, making it essential for assessing land productivity and environmental suitability for crops or vegetation.

methodology

Predictions are generated using machine-learning models trained on global soil profile observations and environmental covariates such as climate, elevation, and remote sensing indices. The model estimates pH in water (1:1 ratio) at multiple depth intervals; this indicator isolates the topsoil layer (0–5 cm) to capture the conditions most relevant to plant roots and surface processes.

validation