Soil acidification

·       It is the buildup of hydrogen cations, which reduces the soil pH. Chemically, this happens when a proton donor gets added to the soil.

·       The donor can be an acid, such as nitric acid, sulfuric acid, or carbonic acid. It can also be a compound such as aluminium sulfate, which reacts in the soil to release protons.

·       Acidification also occurs when base cations such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium are leached from the soil.

Causes of soil acidity

·       Soil acidification naturally occurs as lichens and algae begin to break down rock surfaces. Acids continue with this dissolution as soil develops.

·       With time and weathering, soils become more acidic in natural ecosystems. Soil acidification rates can vary, and increase with certain factors such as acid rain, agriculture, and pollution.

Impacts

·       Acidification creates an environment ripe for depletion of soil inorganic carbon, which is important for soil health, ecosystem services

·       Acidic soils affect crop growth and productivity by reducing the availability of plant nutrients. It also predisposes plants to other biotic and abiotic stress factors.


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