05
Jan
Management Of Acidic Soil. Converting such techniques into successful strategies must consider external factors. Phosphate fertilization is almost essential for sustaining crop production in acid soils. Use of lime and gypsum in managing soil acidity In the first article in this series on page 52 we discussed the nature of soil acidity. When lime is added to the soil this acidity is easily neutralized.
Most soil colloids particles carry a negative charge. The active acidity refers to the free hydrogen ions H in the soil solution. Use of Rock Phosphate. Use of lime and gypsum in managing soil acidity In the first article in this series on page 52 we discussed the nature of soil acidity. Its possible to adjust the pH of your soil though that may not always be the best solution. Means of managing subsoil acidity include mechanical mixing of limestone with soil mixing by earthworms and ants utilizing root excretion of bicarbonate in response to manipulation of nitrate leaching and uptake and using ameliorants with different leaching characteristics.
Management strategies for efficient crop production on these soils may include adoption of soil to fit plants andor adapting plants to fit soils.
Acidic soil doesnt have to be a death sentence though. Phosphate fertilization is almost essential for sustaining crop production in acid soils. Most soil colloids particles carry a negative charge. In India it is believed that the regions with acid soils must receive more than 750 mm annual rainfall. Soil pH is measured in the soil solution and is an indicator of the Active Acidity. Use of basic fertilizers like sodium nitrate basic slag etc.