Acidifying The Soil (Page 3 of 4) in pdf

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twelve months following application, so a continued periodic program of S application is the

most effective. Application of sulfur to moist soil creates the conditions for soil microorganisms

to produce sulfuric acid in the soil. Apply the finest grind of sulfur possible and apply it

uniformly. Test soil pH regularly, and as pH begins to rise, apply S.

Acidified irrigation water is a key element of pH management and it can allow plants to develop

normally in many cases while the pH in the surrounding soil is in transition. Sulfuric acid, urea

sulfuric acid, and other acids may also be used to acidify the water where the water is alkaline.

If alkaline irrigation water is not acidified, the soil pH will increase more rapidly following

acidification. The soil will slowly tend to return to its native pH if the acid pH is not regularly

maintained with sulfur or acid additions and this trend is accelerated with high pH irrigation

water high in bicarbonates. A soils laboratory can test how much acid of a given type or strength

is necessary to lower the pH to the desired level. Acidify the water to a pH of 5.0 or to the point

where the total bicarbonates fall below 1.0 meq.

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