Prevent and minimize soil acidification.

 

Human-induced acidification of agricultural and forest soils is primarily associated with removal of base cations and loss of soil buffering capacity or increases in nitrogen and sulfur inputs (e.g. legume pastures fertilizer inputs, atmospheric deposition). Soils with low pHbuffering capacity and/or high aluminium content are most prevalent when they have a low content of weatherable minerals (e.g. ancient, strongly weathered soils, and soils developed from quartz-rich parent materials). • Monitoring soil acidity and minimizing surface and sub-surface soil acidity by using proper amendments (such as lime, gypsum and clean ash); • Balanced fertilizer and organic amendment applications; and • Appropriate use of acidifying fertilizer types.