Ag source calcium11/28/2023 ![]() ![]() Soil exchangeable acidity determines the amount of aglime necessary to increase the soil pH. The exchangeable acidity refers to the amount of H + ions on cation exchange sites of negatively charged clay and organic matter fractions of the soil. The soil pH is a general indicator of whether aglime is needed to reduce the acidity. Active acidity is the concentration of H + ion in the solution phase of the soil and is measured by pH but is not a measure of the total soil acidity. Soil acidity is comprised of two components: active acidity and exchangeable (reserve) acidity. It is also important to note that a one-unit change in pH equals a ten-fold change in acidity, therefore, small changes in pH can dramatically effect the lime requirement of that soil. The higher the H + concentration, the lower the pH. Acidity is due to hydrogen (H +) ion concentrations in the soil. Definition and Causes of Soil AcidityĪcid soils are defined as any soil that has a pH of less than 7.0 (neutral). Apply aglime well in advance of acid-sensitive crops to allow time for it to neutralize soil acidity.Ī sound liming program will increase soil productivity and, possibly more important under current conditions, increase efficiency of other crop production inputs such as fertilizers and crop protectants. Even finely ground liming materials require several months to react.Liming materials should be mixed with the soil where possible.Actual cost of liming materials is compared on the basis of an equal amount of CCE.The actual amount of material required to meet the recommendation will vary depending on actual CCE, moisture content, and depth of incorporation. Soil test lime recommendations are usually given as an amount of CCE per acre.Lime quality information is required by Pennsylvania law to be on the label of all aglime materials.Calcium and magnesium content and moisture level are also important. Lime quality is based upon the neutralizing ability as determined by its calcium carbonate equivalent (CCE) and by the speed of reaction as determined by its fineness.Calcium sulfate (gypsum) and magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts) are not liming materials. Burnt lime, hydrated lime, and some by-product materials are also used. Most aglime materials are calcium and/or magnesium carbonates.This along with optimal pH for crop growth, determines how much limestone is required to neutralize the acidity. The soil test also gives the exchangeable acidity of the soil.A soil test determines the soil pH which indicates whether liming is required.For most agronomic crops the soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0.High levels of soil acidity (low soil pH) can reduce root growth, reduce nutrient availability, affect crop protectant activity.Soil acidification is a natural process that is increased by normal production practices, particularly the use of nitrogen fertilizer and manure.A pH less than 7.0 indicates an acid soil. Soil pH indicates the acidic level of a soil.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply.AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |