Which step is essential in soil preparation before planting?

Testing pH levels is a critical step in soil preparation before planting because it directly impacts plant growth and development. The pH level of the soil affects nutrient availability, as various nutrients are accessible to plants only within certain pH ranges. For most plants, a slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6 to 7) is ideal for nutrient absorption.

By testing the pH levels, you can determine if amendments are needed to adjust the soil's acidity or alkalinity. For instance, if the soil is too acidic, lime can be added to raise the pH, while elemental sulfur can be used to lower it if the soil is too alkaline. Ensuring optimal pH conditions before planting means that plants will have a better chance of thriving, as they will be able to access the nutrients they need.

While choosing seeds, watering the soil, and removing rocks are important tasks in the planting process, they do not address the foundational quality and health of the soil itself in the same way that pH testing does. Without assessing and correcting the pH, even the best seeds and practices could lead to poor plant performance.