The soil ph changes constantly, during the day dependent on temp and moisture, because it influences how active the microbes are.
Feed the microbes (calcium) and they become more active and ph becomes more alkaline.
Humates may be needed to keep the microbes alive and active also.
With the correct microbes, minerals, humates in the soil, water will be sequestered and released as needed, greening the dessert. Weeds won’t grow because you are providing the correct mineral/microbe base for the target crop, eliminated need for herbicides. Healthy resulting plants don’t need pesticide as insects will not attack them.