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My understanding is that the pH of the litter
strongly reflects that of the parent material in the area.
Oaks tend to be very deep rooted so this occurs more so with
them. I live in a calcareous area (limestone parent material) so the oak
litter is alkaline. I've seen pine litter measure 7+ too in this area,
especially in the river flood plain where alkalinity seems to be the rule around
here. However, most areas are not alkaline like here and are either mildly
or strongly acidic, in acidic areas, the trees pump up the acidity from below
and reflect it in their litter. Hope that helps.
Mike Levine
Ann Arbor, MI zone 5b
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