The Effects of Acid Soil on Plant Growth

Acid soil, characterized by a pH level below 7.0, has detrimental effects on plant growth and crop productivity. When the soil's pH falls below 5.5, essential nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, and sulfur become less available to plants while toxic elements like aluminum and manganese become more soluble in the soil. This imbalance leads to stunted root systems, yellowing leaves, and reduced crop yields.

Plants vary in their sensitivity to low pH levels; for instance, canola and lucerne are highly sensitive to acid soils while lupines and triticale exhibit tolerance. If left untreated, acid soil can render land unproductive. However, incorporating lime into the soil raises its pH level which can reverse the adverse effects of acidity on plant growth and restore productivity.

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