Which of the following is true about soil pH and clover growth?

• A. Clover tolerates highly acidic soils with no effect.
• B. Clover grows best in highly alkaline soils.
• C. Clover generally prefers a pH around 6.0 to 7.0.
• D. Soil pH has no influence on clover.

Answer: (C)

Soil pH shapes how well clover can access nutrients and form effective nitrogen-fixing nodules. The sweet spot for clover is near neutral soil, roughly pH 6.0 to 7.0, where essential nutrients are most available and root and microbial activity function optimally. In acidic soils, toxic metals like aluminum and manganese become more soluble, hampering root growth and nodulation. In highly alkaline soils, uptake of micronutrients such as iron and manganese drops, leading to deficiencies and slower growth. Because of these effects, clover generally performs best within that 6.0–7.0 range, and claims that it tolerates extreme acidity with no impact, thrives in highly alkaline soils, or that pH doesn’t affect it aren’t accurate.