What is a risk if the pH of soil is severely unbalanced?

When the pH of soil is severely unbalanced, it can lead to nutrient deficiency in plants. Soil pH influences the availability of essential nutrients. For example, in highly acidic or alkaline soils, certain nutrients become less available to plants, even if those nutrients are present in the soil. In acidic conditions, nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium may be less accessible, while micronutrients like iron may become overly available, potentially leading to toxicity. Conversely, in alkaline soils, essential nutrients such as iron, manganese, and zinc can become deficient, hindering plant growth and overall health.

In contrast, increased plant growth and enhanced soil structure are unlikely outcomes of poor pH balance, and while sapling propagation could be affected by nutrient availability, it is not a direct result of soil pH. Thus, nutrient deficiency best encapsulates the risk associated with an unbalanced soil pH.