Soil pH significantly influences the priming effects (PE) on soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition. PEs are highest in soils with pH between 5.5 and 7.5, with positive PEs up to 20 times the SOM decomposition at pH around 6.5. Low pH (<4.5) and high pH (>7) result in negative PEs due to suboptimal microbial environments. Short-term pH changes, like soil acidification, affect PE through complexation, oxidation, and enzymatic processes. Long-term pH shifts due to fertilization and land use impact microbial adaptations and PE.
