Final answer:
The statement refers to the use of lime to adjust excessively acidic soil pH to facilitate healthy plant growth, essential for maintaining balanced ecosystems and productive agriculture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement discusses the application of lime to lower the pH level in soil that is too acidic for the healthy growth of established turfgrass. pH levels are crucial because they affect soil health and, consequently, the growth of plants. When soil pH is too low, meaning the soil is too acidic, plants may not be able to absorb nutrients effectively. To correct this, substances like slaked lime (calcium hydroxide) or limestone (calcium carbonate) can be applied to the soil.
They work by neutralizing excess acidity, thereby raising the pH towards a more neutral level. This process is essential because acid rain and other factors can lower soil pH, negatively impacting not just plants but also the surrounding ecosystem, including aquatic life that relies on a specific pH range. Additionally, strong acids and bases can have detrimental effects on important biological molecules. Hence, maintaining the correct soil pH with the help of lime is an integral part of agricultural practices to sustain and enhance crop production on acidic soils.