Ammonia, borates, organic bases, phosphates, and silicates can also be minor contributors to alkalinity. In most cases, this is a safe assumption. Even though Grower B's water is one pH unit lower than Grower A's, it takes more than four times more acid to lower the pH to 5.8 due to the differences in alkalinity. Both alkalinity and pH are must be considered when adjusting the pH of water. Titrations of two different waters with sulfuric acid.
Alkalinity can be a major problem in the North Carolina, especially in the coastal plains region.
When looking for a test kit, this is the range that is needed. The starting color for most colorimetric alkalinity test kits starts as a green-blue. When all of the alkalinity has been neutralized with the acid titrator, the solution turns pinkish-red. Acids commonly used to acidify irrigation water and their properties. 3 milligram eqivalent wt.