How to increase the acidity of the soil: the best ways at home, fertilizers

Soil acidity parameters seriously affect the development of crops. The availability and absorption of nutrients depend on these indicators. Thus, with increased or decreased acidity parameters, plants experience nutritional deficiency. In most cases, cultures require neutral pH. However, there are some exceptions. Therefore, many gardeners are interested in how to increase the acidity of the soil.

Reasons for acidification

In most cases, horticultural crops need a neutral or slightly acid soil reaction. This means that they require a pH of 5.5-7.5 units. Sometimes the soil needs to be further acidified. The reasons may vary.

Why crops don't like alkaline soil

Alkaline reaction is characteristic of saline soil types that have formed on a limestone base. If the pH parameters exceed 7.5-8 points, this negatively affects the fertility of the soil.

As a result, important substances are transformed into insoluble hydroxides and cannot be absorbed. In such a situation, even organic and mineral fertilizers do not help. Plants face malnutrition, stop growing, turn yellow.

Alkaline soil loses its water-physical properties. When dry, the substrate becomes too dense and poorly breathable. After precipitation or watering, the soil becomes too viscous.

When neutral ground doesn't work

Neutral is the soil in which acids and alkalis are as balanced as possible.Such substances neutralize each other. This environment is perfect for the development of beneficial bacteria and the absorption of beneficial elements by plants. This soil can be used to grow many types of legumes and root crops.

If the plants need a slightly or moderately acidic environment, the soil has to be acidified. So, slightly acidic soil is needed for potatoes. If you reduce the neutral acidity by 1-1.5 points, it will be possible to improve the absorption of useful elements and increase the parameters of the plant's yield.

Determination of soil acidity

The simplest and most accurate way to assess the acidity of the soil is considered to be a study in an agrochemical laboratory. However, not all summer residents have such an opportunity. You can determine the reaction of the substrate at home using special tests. These are available from gardening stores and are easy to use.

Weeds growing in the garden will also help determine the acidity of the soil:

• clover, bindweed, chamomile, wheatgrass prefer neutral and slightly acidic soil types;
• horse sorrel, moss, horsetail, heather grow in acidic soil;
• field mustard, chistets, larkspur, wild poppy prefer alkaline soil.

How to acidify the soil yourself?

There are quite a few ways to acidify the soil. The choice of method depends on the structure of the earth, the initial pH parameters, the area of the site.

Organic Materials

Many organic fertilizers acidify the earth. To make the soil more acidic, it is permissible to use high-moor peat, fresh manure, sphagnum moss. Also effective means include leaf compost, sawdust, needles.

Organic substances are recommended for acidification of loose soil types that are well breathable. They differ in slow action, but provide a stable effect. An additional advantage is the ability to preserve the loose structure of the earth.

In order for organic matter to give the desired effect, it should be applied to the root system area, and not scattered around the site. When planting plants, an acidic substrate must be placed in the hole. Subsequently, it is recommended to use organic means for mulching the trunk circle.

Mineral compounds

Minerals can be used to change the structure of the soil. Most often, such products are used to acidify heavy clay soils. The most effective substances include:

1. Colloidal sulfur - used when a significant change in acidity is required. If you use 1 kilogram of granules per 10 square meters of land, you can reduce the pH by 2.5 points. Sulfur is recommended to be applied before winter. It is closed to a depth of 10-15 centimeters. The element starts chemical processes gradually. Therefore, it will be possible to achieve the desired effect only after 8-12 months.
2. Ferrous sulfate - this substance has a softer and faster action. If 500 grams of powder are used per 10 square meters of beds, in a month it will be possible to reduce the pH parameters by 1 point. This means that the acidity will increase.
3. Ammonium nitrate - helps slightly acidify the soil. It must be applied in the spring. For a mild effect, it is also acceptable to use potassium sulfate or ammonium sulfate. These substances should be used in the fall.

Acid solutions

To quickly change the pH parameters, it is recommended to use acid solutions. Sulfuric acid or unused electrolyte is considered ideal. To prepare a working solution, it is recommended to take 50 milliliters of electrolyte per 10 liters of water. This amount is enough for 1 square meter of beds.

Also, to increase acidity, it is permissible to use citric acid.To prepare the solution, you need to take 1-2 tablespoons of powder per 10 liters of water. Another remedy is vinegar. 100 milliliters of this product must be mixed with a bucket of water. However, this is not the best option. It gives a short-term effect and destroys the beneficial soil microflora.

Siderates

To maintain optimal acidity parameters, green manure can be planted. It is important to choose plants that acidify the soil. These include oats, rapeseed, white mustard. Soy, vetch and lupine are also highly effective.

Increasing the acidity of the soil helps to improve the development of some crops and increase their yield. At the same time, it is important to correctly determine the reaction of the soil and choose an effective method for its correction.

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