Tanya wrote in message ...
hello,
1. i know that calcium is *unAvailable* in acidic environments and
wonder whether or what other plant nutrients are affected by pH
2. if i was using acidic tap water (with vinegar) in fairly neutral pH
soil, are the nutrients permanently bound by the acidity or would they
become available once hitting the neutral soil
(the water WAS ~ pH 5 perhaps less)
thanks in advance!

Tanya,
Yes, a lot of nutrients are affected by pH. At low pH calcium,
magnesium, potassium etc. will all be decreased, while some toxic
elements like aluminium will increase.
Soil is very dynamic, and if you change the pH elemental availability
will change. However, if you keep pouring vinegar (ie acid rain!) onto
soil you will leach out a lot of the positive ions permanently and
replace them with hydrogen ions, and they will go into the drainage
water.
It all gets rather complex chemistry!
Best Wishes,
Martin

Dr Martin J. Hodson,
Principal Lecturer in Environmental Biology,
School of Biological and Molecular Sciences,
Oxford Brookes University,
Gipsy Lane, Headington,
Oxford, OX3 0BP, UK

Tel.: ++44 (0)1865 483954
Fax: ++44 (0)1865 483242
Email:
Web: http://www.hodsons.org/MartinHodson/